The Osun State government has raised the alarm over what it describes as a systematic campaign of raids on the homes of senior government officials by the state police command, carried out without valid search warrants. According to the government, the most recent incident involved the invasion of the residence of the Secretary to the State Government (SSG) by a combined team of police officers.
Police Raid SSG Residence Without Warrant
On Wednesday, July 29, 2026, the Osun State government issued a statement via its official X account @Osun_State_Gov, condemning the police action. The Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Oluomo Kolapo Alimi, said that a combined team of police officers, led by the Deputy Commissioner for Operations, stormed the SSG's home and took family members to unknown locations. The government described the operation as Gestapo-style and unlawful, conducted without proper legal authorization required under Nigerian law.
Coordinated Campaign Against Officials
The raid on the SSG's residence was not an isolated incident. Kolapo Alimi explained that it followed a string of similar invasions on the homes of about six commissioners and other senior figures within the state government. The government characterized these actions as unlawful invasions rather than routine law enforcement operations, accusing the police command of targeting government functionaries in a coordinated manner. No official response from the Osun State Police Command was provided regarding the basis for the raids or the status of those taken into custody.
Context of Upcoming Governorship Election
The development is drawing attention ahead of the Osun governorship election scheduled for August 15, 2026. Observers note the timing of the police activity, which comes just weeks before the election. The raid on the SSG's residence and the targeting of commissioners have raised concerns about political interference and the use of security forces to intimidate government officials.
Social Media Reactions
The government's announcement drew sharp responses on social media. @DistinctFOJ wrote: "Stop disturbing us with this unnecessary noise... After endorsing Tinubu for a second term, were you expecting to be cuddled by APC? Bunch of clowns." @Salamiayobamij1 questioned the motive behind the post: "You guys think you will be allowed to perpetrate your violence unchecked? If you like cry wolf from now till 15th, nobody is buying your propaganda and tears." Others, like @unlimitedgr, suggested: "They want to give them house arrest, that's what they do." @DEMMYGOLD123 posted: "Is it by force to govern the state?" while @seyijohn72 wrote: "This is very serious."
Related Incidents in Osun
Recall that about 8 to 10 armed hoodlums recently attacked an INEC PVC distribution centre in Okuku, Osun State. The gunmen fired shots into the air at Oyinlola DC School in Ward 2, causing officials and residents to flee the scene. The Osun Police Command confirmed the attack and said tactical and intelligence assets have been deployed to catch the suspects.
In a separate development, the national leadership of the NURTW set up a seven-man caretaker committee to oversee parks and garages across Osun state. MC Oluomo, through deputy president Aliyu Issa Ore, declared that no state governor holds the power to suspend NURTW activities. He explained the union's next move in Osun state ahead of the gubernatorial election.
