Ota chief denies police manhunt, calls for investigation into false allegations

Elijah Adeogun, a prominent leader in Ota, Ogun State, has described as false, unfounded, and malicious reports that the police declared a manhunt for him over an alleged community attack in Osuke on 27 February 2025.

It was reported that during two separate attacks on the Osuke community, one person, Saheed Shoboyejo, was killed, while several others were injured after being attacked by over 100 armed hoodlums.

Following the incident, Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, directed the Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG) Zone 2, Adegoke Fayoade, to investigate the attack and the alleged involvement of a land grabber known as “Elijah Killer”.

In an interview with journalists in Lagos on 10 March 2025, Adeogun, who is also the Chairman of Eli-Ade Properties Nigeria Limited, confirmed that he voluntarily honoured an invitation from the Eleweran State CID regarding the allegations.

“I was invited to the station last Friday by the Eleweran State CID Commissioner of Police (CP). When I got there, they informed me about the allegations that I led a gang and killed someone in Osuke,” he explained.

Adeogun said he was detained from Saturday to Monday because murder is a capital offence, but was later granted bail after police investigations confirmed his alibi.

“I was in the Magistrate Court, Ota, at the exact time of the alleged attack. I have no connection to the Osuke crisis and have never even heard of the deceased, Saheed Shoboyejo, in my life,” he stated.

He further revealed that despite his daily visits to the police station as instructed, the complainants have failed to appear since the investigation began.

Adeogun dismissed recent media reports claiming that the police declared him wanted, calling them false and misleading.

“To my surprise, I began to see false reports that the police had declared me wanted. This is completely unfounded,” he said.

He urged the Inspector General of Police (IGP) to thoroughly investigate the matter, particularly the false allegations made against him.

Adeogun insisted that if the allegations against him are proven false, those responsible should face legal consequences for misleading the police and the public.

“I urge the IGP to investigate three things: First, what evidence links me to the Osuke attack? Second, have I ever been accused, charged, or convicted of any crime in my entire life? Third, if these allegations are false, the police should take legal action against those making them,” he declared.

He further called for a fair and transparent investigation to clear his name and ensure justice is served.