Authorities Reject Accusations of Overlooking Kidnapping Incident Involving Afenifere Youth Leader, Citing Discrepancies in Reported Facts
In Ondo State, the Police Command has refuted allegations made by Eniola Ojajuni, the President of the Afenifere Youth Council, accusing them of failing to invite him for a debriefing following his alleged release from kidnappers.
In a statement released on Tuesday, the Command's spokesperson, DSP Olushola Ayanlade, countered Ojajuni's claims, stating that multiple attempts were made to reach out to him post-release, but he declined the invitations extended for a formal debrief.
According to Ayanlade, despite Ojajuni's assertions, there is no evidence suggesting that he was kidnapped or released within Ondo State. He highlighted numerous inconsistencies in Ojajuni's statements, contradicted by accounts provided by his wife and brothers who were contacted during the alleged abduction period.
Ayanlade also commented on a video released by Ojajuni's purported abductors, pointing out that its distribution is unusual for known kidnapping syndicates in the state. He cited intelligence from past cases and confessions from arrested suspects, suggesting that many criminals involved in kidnappings do not possess smartphones, let alone record or distribute such videos.
The Ondo State Police Command urged the public to share any credible information that could aid the ongoing investigation, reiterating their commitment to upholding justice, regardless of an individual's social status. They emphasized the importance of collective responsibility in ensuring security and advised residents to continue supporting the police and other security agencies.
Meanwhile, the Afenifere Youth Council has stood by Ojajuni as their legitimate leader, challenging critics to produce evidence or issue apologies, threatening legal action if necessary. The Council maintains that Ojajuni's kidnapping was genuine.
Amidst the ongoing dispute, the exact circumstances surrounding Ojajuni's release remain uncertain, with conflicting narratives and actions inconsistent with typical kidnapping syndicates in the state.
- Despite the disagreement, the Ondo State Police Command insists that Nigeria's general news, including crime and justice issues like kidnapping, should not be politicized, urging parties like the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Afenibere Youth Council to await the outcome of the investigation.
- The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), given the nationwide reach, could potentially provide valuable insights into Ojajuni's whereabouts during the alleged kidnapping, contributing to the resolution of the confusing events in Ondo State.
- In light of the ongoing confusion, political pundits and concerned citizens in Nigeria (naija) express concern over the impact of unsubstantiated accusations on the public's trust in institutions like the Police and the political class.
- The Ondo State Police Command's accusations against Eniola Ojajuni have sparked debate on social media platforms, with commentators questioning the credibility of eyewitness accounts and the role of the media in reporting sensitive issues such as kidnapping.
- As Ojajuni's case continues to unfold, experts on the region's crime syndicates note the peculiarities in this case, suggesting that the case may involve elements that deviate from the typical modus operandi of kidnapping groups in Ondo State.
