The Osun State Police Command has debunked reports alleging that a 26-year-old man arrested after entering the palace of the Ataoja of Osogbo was on an assassination mission, stating that investigations uncovered no evidence to support such claims.
The command’s spokesperson, CSP Abiodun Ojelabi, disclosed this in a statement issued on Friday while providing an update on the June 3 incident involving the suspect, Semilola Monday, popularly known as “Ankara”.
According to the police, the suspect unlawfully gained access to the palace by scaling the perimeter fence at about 8:45 a.m.
However, he reportedly fled after being confronted by palace residents and domestic workers who questioned his presence on the premises.
The command explained that following a report from the palace, security operatives launched efforts to apprehend the suspect, who sustained injuries while attempting to escape.
“Upon a report received from the palace of Ataoja of Osogbo that one adult male later identified as Semilola Odunayo Monday, also known as Ankara, aged 26 years, scaled the fence of Ataoja’s palace and forcibly entered the palace, he was immediately challenged by some residents and domestic staff, but he could not give a reasonable excuse. Instead, he took to his heels,” the statement said.
Police said the suspect was subsequently taken to the UNIOSUN Teaching Hospital in Osogbo for medical treatment before being subjected to further interrogation.
Following his recovery, investigators said Monday admitted entering the palace without authorisation but denied harbouring any intention to attack the monarch or any other individual.
According to the police, the suspect attributed his actions to excessive consumption of an unidentified substance.
As part of the investigation, the Commissioner of Police constituted a committee headed by the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of the Criminal Investigation Department, Suleiman Bayonle, to examine the circumstances surrounding the incident.
The committee’s findings, according to the command, revealed that the suspect was not carrying any firearm or offensive weapon when he was arrested.
“The report from the committee reveals that the suspect was not in possession of a firearm or any offensive weapon at the time of his arrest,” the police stated.
The command further disclosed that the suspect was arraigned before Magistrate Court II in Osogbo on June 8 on a charge of attempted felony.
He was subsequently remanded in a correctional facility pending the continuation of legal proceedings.
While stressing that investigations are still ongoing, the police appealed to palace officials and members of the public who may have additional information about the incident to assist law enforcement authorities.
The command reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining security across the state and ensuring that criminal activities are effectively addressed.
