By Divine Sam
In response to the recent shooting of Wakeel Nurudeen Iyanda Alowonle, Chairman of the Osun State Transport Management System, civil society groups in Osun State are demanding the immediate removal of Moses Lohor, the head of the Osun State Police Command’s Anti-Kidnapping Squad. The incident, which occurred on Monday, has sparked outrage, with activists accusing the police of unlawful actions, including extrajudicial killings.
The Concerned Osun Civil Society Groups, led by spokesperson Olanrewaju Stephen, issued a statement condemning the shooting, which they deem unjustifiable. They argue that the police’s claim that Alowonle attempted to escape arrest is dubious, pointing out that the victim was shot in the abdomen, a position inconsistent with an escape scenario. The groups also highlighted previous allegations of misconduct against the Anti-Kidnapping Unit, including excessive force, indiscriminate arrests, and extortion.
The activists also accused the police of politically motivated actions, referencing previous arrests made by SP Lohor targeting opposition figures ahead of the 2026 governorship election. They called for a stop to the use of law enforcement to silence political opponents and emphasized that politicians should not use the police as tools of repression.
The protest against the shooting, led by Alowonle’s union members, disrupted public transportation in Osogbo on Wednesday. The civil society groups have now threatened mass protests unless Lohor is removed from office within a week. They are calling on the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, to intervene and prevent further abuses by the Osun Police Command.