Osun: Police probe Adeleke’s aide over alleged self-staged kidnap

Police in Osun State are investigating allegations that Shakirulahi Babatunde, a media aide to Governor Ademola Adeleke, staged his own kidnapping, the government has confirmed.

SaharaReporters reports that the government contacted police after Babatunde sent a text message claiming he had been kidnapped. The case was subsequently referred to the Anti-Kidnapping Squad of the Osun State Police Command.

Governor Adeleke’s spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, said investigators were handling the case without pressure from state authorities.

The government also rejected allegations that Chief of Staff Kazeem Akinleye or other officials attempted to obstruct the investigation or bribe police officers.

Officials said they would await the outcome of the police investigation before deciding on action, while reaffirming their commitment to transparency and law enforcement.