News
NANS Demands Action Within 24 Hrs On Detained Osun Student Leader
The leadership of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has expressed concern over the continued detention of Comrade Alalade Bukola Felix, popularly known as ‘Machiavelli’, by the police in connection with an alleged political crisis in Osun State.
NANS called for his immediate release or arraignment in court within 24 hours if the police have evidence linking him to any offence.
In a statement issued by the NANS Southwest Coordinator, Comrade Adeyemo Josiah, and Public Relations Officer, Comrade Olugbemi Timothy, the student body said it visited the Osun State Police Command in Osogbo over the matter.
The association said several aspects of the explanation provided by the command were “deeply troubling” and required urgent clarification.
According to the statement, Machiavelli’s wife told NANS that police operatives arrived at their residence at about 1am, allegedly forced their way into the house and took him away without properly informing his family of his destination.
NANS said the suspect was initially traced to the Area Command in Ilesa before he was later transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department in Osogbo.
The association said the police had alleged that Machiavelli was connected to a violent incident during a political procession and claimed that video evidence existed to support the allegation.
NANS, however, demanded that any such evidence be presented before a competent court.
“Our position is that if such evidence exists, place it before a competent court and prosecute him according to law,” the statement said.
The student body urged the police to respect due process and ensure that the suspect’s fundamental rights were protected throughout the investigation and any subsequent legal proceedings.
“During our engagements at the Police Command, we sought clarity and credible material supporting the allegations. No such material was presented to me. The mere existence of an allegation cannot become a substitute for judicial scrutiny or an excuse for prolonged detention.
“We acknowledge the responsibility of the Nigeria Police Force to investigate crime and arrest persons where there is reasonable suspicion of an offence. What we will not accept is a situation where allegation gradually becomes punishment through continued detention without the intervention of a court.
“An allegation is not a conviction, we therefore call directly on the Inspector-General of Police to urgently take interest in this matter and ensure that the Osun State Police Command and all officers involved act strictly within the law, professionally and without political influence.
“This is particularly important at a time when Osun State is approaching a sensitive election and public confidence in the neutrality of security agencies must not be allowed to deteriorate.
“NANS has consistently demonstrated its willingness to work with security agencies for peace. Only recently, the student leadership partnered with the Police through POCACOV in advocacy against electoral violence and social vices.
“Such cooperation can only survive where there is mutual trust, transparency, professionalism and fairness. Let it also be clearly stated that our intervention has nothing to do with Comrade Machiavelli’s employment, political association or relationship with any government official.
“He is a former NANS JCC Osun PRO, a former Convention Planning Committee Chairman, an alumnus of the University of Ilesa and an active stakeholder in the student movement.
“Whatever political interests may surround the allegations against him are secondary to us. Our concern is that a recognised student leader must enjoy the same due process guaranteed to every Nigerian citizen.
“Our position is simple, within the next 24 hours, either bring Comrade Alalade Bukola Felix “Machiavelli” before a competent court and place the allegations and available evidence before the judiciary, or release him in accordance with the law.
“We also call on the Commissioner of Police, Osun State Command, and the senior officers overseeing election security in Osun State to demonstrate, in practice, the fairness and professionalism Nigerians have been promised.
“Should this situation continue without lawful judicial intervention or satisfactory resolution, NANS will consult its structures and commence lawful, peaceful and organised mass action to demand respect for due process and the fundamental rights of one of our own.
“We will neither defend wrongdoing nor obstruct a legitimate criminal investigation. But neither will we sit idle while political tension becomes an excuse for the rights of student leaders to be disregarded.
“Investigate if you must. Prosecute if you have evidence. But let the law, not allegation, determine guilt. The credibility of our security institutions in the days approaching this election will be judged not only by what they say about neutrality, but by what Nigerians see them do.”
The Osun State Police Command has summoned Senator Francis Fadahunsi, representing Osun East Senatorial District, over his alleged comment directing supporters of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to “kill” members of the rival Accord Party during the state governorship election.
The summons followed the circulation of a video on social media in which the senator, while speaking in Yoruba during an APC campaign in Ilesa on Tuesday, allegedly made the controversial remarks.
In a letter dated August 11, 2026, and signed by the Commissioner of Police, Elections, Osun State, Samuel Etaifo Erale, the command invited Fadahunsi to clarify the circumstances surrounding the statements.
The senator was directed to report to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Osogbo, at 11am on Wednesday, August 12.
The letter said the invitation was based on information available to the police alleging that Fadahunsi made statements considered “threatening, inciting and intimidating” during the campaign.
It added that the alleged statement had been circulated on various electronic and social media platforms.
Senator clarifies comment
Fadahunsi, in the video, was heard speaking in Yoruba and allegedly telling APC supporters to kill members of the Accord Party if they encountered them during the electoral process.
Following the backlash generated by the video, however, the senator’s team said his comment was misinterpreted.
In a statement titled, “Kill Osun Accord with Votes, Not Violence,” the team said the senator was calling on APC supporters to defeat the Accord Party through the ballot box.
“For the avoidance of doubt, the Senator’s statement was purely political and metaphorical,” the statement said.
It described the senator’s remark as a call for supporters to “overwhelmingly reject the Accord Party at the ballot box through lawful, peaceful and democratic means” during the August 15 governorship election.
The controversy comes amid heightened political activities ahead of Saturday’s governorship election, in which incumbent Governor Ademola Adeleke is seeking re-election on the platform of the Accord Party.
Adeleke has repeatedly accused the APC of using thugs to attack his supporters, allegations the party has disputed.
Meanwhile, the Osun State Police Commissioner for Election, Samuel Etaifo, has warned politicians to refrain from using violence and inciteful comments as the state heads to the governorship election on Saturday.
In a statement issued by the Public Relations Officer of the command, DSP Abiodun Ojelabi, on Wednesday, the police commissioner condemned the alleged comment, saying the politicians must exercise restraint at this critical period.
“At this critical period of the electoral process, political leaders and public office holders are expected to exercise restraint, promote peace, and refrain from making comments capable of heightening tension or undermining public confidence in the electoral and security arrangements put in place for the forthcoming election,” he said.
While reaffirming the commitment of the Nigeria Police Force to neutrality, professionalism, and the protection of democratic values, CP Etaifo emphasised that the Police will not tolerate any act, utterance, or conduct capable of inciting violence, disrupting public peace, or threatening the security of the state.
“Consequently, the Commissioner of Police has invited Senator Francis Adenigba Fadahunsi to provide clarification on the statement and to foster mutual understanding in the interest of peace and security,” he said.
The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has warned of possible flash floods in 13 states between August 11 and 20, 2026.
NiMet issued the warning in an advisory posted on its X handle listing Sokoto, Zamfara, Kebbi, Niger, Kaduna, Nasarawa, Adamawa, Plateau, Benue, Kogi, Taraba, Cross River and Akwa Ibom as states at high risk.
The agency said the outlook was based on forecast rainfall intensity, soil moisture, drainage capacity, terrain and dam characteristics.
It said the advisory was intended to support early preparedness, emergency response and disaster risk reduction.
NiMet warned that flash floods could occur in flood-prone, low-lying, urban and riverside communities, with possible impacts including road closures, traffic congestion and transport disruptions.
It also warned that flooding could temporarily disrupt electricity and telecommunications services, while heavy rainfall could reduce visibility and affect road and aviation operations.
According to the agency, waterlogging could damage farmlands, crops and livestock, while flash floods could destroy roads, bridges, drainage systems and other critical infrastructure.
It added that stagnant floodwaters could increase the risk of waterborne diseases.
NiMet advised residents to follow weather forecasts and flood alerts from the agency and emergency management authorities.
It urged the public to avoid walking or driving through flooded roads, bridges and fast-flowing water, and advised people in vulnerable areas to remain alert and be prepared to relocate to safer locations if necessary.
The agency also urged emergency management authorities to strengthen surveillance, pre-position response teams and maintain emergency preparedness.
It advised farmers to improve drainage on their farms and move livestock, machinery and harvested produce away from flood-prone areas.
The Centre Against Injustice and Domestic Violence – CAIDOV has called on all stakeholders in Osun State to prioritize peace, fairness, and the rule of law as the state approaches its election.
As a human rights and justice organization, CAIDOV urged political parties, candidates, security agencies, INEC, traditional rulers, and voters to shun violence, intimidation, vote-buying, and all forms of electoral malpractice
In the statement by CAIDOV signed by Its Executive Director Gbenga Soloki stated
“Osun people deserve an election that reflects their true will. We want a peaceful election in Osun — free, fair, credible, and devoid of bloodshed. A peaceful Osun will guarantee prosperity for all.The ballot should be the only weapon. Any act of violence or injustice undermines democracy and hurts the very citizens we seek to serve.”
CAIDOV specifically urged Security Agencies to remain neutral, professional, and protect voters, materials, and officials.
INEC according to CAIDOV should ensure transparency and timely delivery of materials,while
Political Actors are enjoined to play by the rules and accept outcomes in good faith.
CAIDOV called on Voters to come out peacefully, vote, and protect their votes without fear
We also urge civil society, media, and community leaders to preach tolerance and de-escalate tensions.
CAIDOV will be monitoring compliance with electoral laws and report any cases of injustice or violence.
_Let the voice of Osun people be heard peacefully. Democracy thrives where peace reigns._
*Signed:*
*Gbenga Soloki*
Executive Director, CAIDOV
-
Health & Wellness12 months agoPresident Tinubu Directs Cut in Dialysis Cost from ₦50,000 to ₦12,000
-
News1 year agoPICTURE: In Lagos Couple Sentenced to 22½ Years for Cannabis Trafficking
-
Trending News12 months agoNELFUND Disburses ₦86bn To 449,000 Beneficiaries
-
Business5 months agoDangote Refinery Reduces Petrol Gantry Price To ₦1,200 Per Litre
-
International News4 months agoIndian Police Arrest Nigerian Over ₦290m Drug Haul
-
Business5 months agoAfter Plea Bargain, Court Discharges Stella Oduah of ₦2.5bn Fraud
-
Business2 years agoHeritage Bank Customers’ Path to Securing ₦5m Insured Funds: A Step-By-Step Guide by NDIC”
-
Business2 years ago
Dangote; We Did Not Fix ₦600/Litre Petrol Price