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.”