The Osun State Police Command has denied claims that its operatives shot at residents playing football in the Ogo-Oluwa area of Osogbo during an arrest operation on Sunday.
In a statement signed by Police Public Relations Officer DSP Abiodun Ojelabi on behalf of Commissioner of Police Ibrahim Gotan, the Command said the operation followed a petition submitted to the Inspector-General of Police on May 2, 2026.
The petition was linked to a viral video allegedly showing suspected members of the AYE Confraternity displaying firearms and dangerous weapons.
According to the police, detectives traced one of the suspects seen in the video to his hideout in Osogbo. The suspect, identified as Semiu Baruwa, was accused of participating in the vandalism of billboards in the state capital.
The Command explained that the operation was disrupted when suspected hoodlums and thugs attempted to prevent officers from taking the suspect into custody.
The situation reportedly turned violent and threatened the safety of the operatives, prompting them to fire warning shots into the air to disperse the crowd and withdraw safely.
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Police maintained that no innocent resident was targeted and insisted that officers acted within operational safety procedures to protect lives and maintain public order.
They confirmed that Baruwa is in custody and assisting with investigations, while efforts continue to arrest others linked to the incident and to obstruction of lawful duty.
Eyewitnesses told DAILY POST that armed operatives stormed a football field on Baruwa Street, Ogo-Oluwa, and fired shots into the air, causing players, spectators, and worshippers in nearby churches to flee for safety.
A community leader claimed residents only asked why a football fan was being arrested on a Sunday morning and said the shooting started after they resisted the arrest.
The Commissioner of Police has urged residents to remain calm and support security agencies with credible information.
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