Police deny redeployment of Kwara CP over arrest of journalists

The Kwara State Police Command has described the news of the redeployment of its Commissioner of Police (CP), Paul Odama, as the fallout of his role in the arrest of two journalists as false.

There was an insinuation in the state that the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Baba Usman Alkali, had ordered CP Odama’s transfer as a consequence of his action in the arrest saga of the journalists, Abdulrasheed Akogun and Dare Akogun.

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The two journalists, who are siblings, were arrested following a petition by Rafiu Ajakaye, spokesman of Governor Abdulrazaq Abdulrahman, accusing them of defamation on a Whatsapp platform.  

The police said the report was published on the Facebook account of Sobi FM, a Kwara State- based radio station, where Dare worked under the heading: “Breaking news”.

Spokesperson of the command, Ajayi Okasanmi, said “The story is a figment of the imagination and sadistic wish of the radio station,” describing it as false and fake in its entirety.

He further said, “The CP was posted to Kwara State on a provisional basis pending the sitting and approval of the Police Service Commission (PSC).

“This they did last week and the list of newly promoted officers and the ratification of the posting of police commissioners, including those of Kwara, Nasarawa and Niger states, were confirmed.

“This development necessitated the press release by the Force Headquarters on the issue.

“Rather than creating tension and apprehension in the minds of Kwarans who are already enjoying the policing services of CP Paul Odama, it is pertinent to state in unambiguous terms that fake news is a criminal offence, especially if it is aimed at causing fear, anxiety and to score a cheap point.”

He added that Odama remained Kwara CP and that the command would continue to work in partnership with relevant agencies, including the press, for a safer and more protected Kwara State.