Ramadan to continue in Nigeria Thursday as moon not sighted, Eid on Friday

The Osun State Police Command has clarified the circumstances surrounding the arrest and detention of one Soladoye Fasanjo Keji.

The clarification is coming following public reactions from a group known as the Concerned Youths of Odo Otin Local Government Area.

In a statement issued in Osogbo on Sunday by DSP Abiodun Ojelabi, the Osun Police Command spokesperson, the police said the arrest was carried out after the suspect allegedly ignored several invitations relating to a petition submitted against him.

According to the police, “the petition was written by the law firm Atelele & Egbedinini Chambers on behalf of Hon. Damilare Eniade Francis and submitted to the office of the Commissioner of Police on February 25, 2026.”

The command said “the petition alleged serious offences including obtaining money under false pretences, criminal intimidation and threat to life.”

The Police stated that the allegations involve a total sum of N8.5 million which was reportedly transferred to the suspect in November 2025.

According to the statement, “the funds were meant for the procurement and distribution of Ramadan food packages to vulnerable residents across Osun State during the holy month.”

The police further explained that the suspect allegedly claimed he could facilitate the supply through a food and provision store he said he owned.

However, the police noted that the promised items were never delivered, which prompted the complaint that eventually led to the investigation.

The command disclosed that Keji was arrested at about 7:45 p.m. on March 7, 2026 in the Faji area of Okuku.

DSP Ojelabi said the arrest followed repeated instances in which the suspect allegedly failed to honour invitations extended to him by investigators.

“The arrest became necessary only after these repeated instances of non-compliance, in line with standard police procedure to ensure the suspect appears for questioning,” the statement said.

The police added that the operation was conducted professionally and in accordance with the law, noting that the suspect is being treated in line with constitutional provisions, including the right to legal representation and due process.

The command also urged residents, community leaders and youth groups in Odo Otin and across Osun State to remain calm while investigations continue, stressing that the case will be taken to court once the investigation is concluded.

Police explain arrest of Osun politician over N8.5m petition

Amnesty International has called on the Nigerian government to take urgent and concrete action to stop the wave of killings in Benue State, warning that repeated attacks on communities are worsening the human rights situation.

In a post shared on its official X account on Wednesday, the organisation condemned the killing of nine people during an attack on Ankpali Edikwu Ward in Apa Local Government Area.

“Amnesty International strongly condemns the killing of nine people during an attack,” it said, describing the incident as part of a growing pattern of violence in the area.

According to the organisation: “Gunmen have recently attacked at least 7 villages in Apa Local Government Area. During such attacks in Benue State, the gunmen, ensured that after killing people, they also destroyed bore holes, clinics and schools.”

Amnesty warned that the continued attacks highlight the failure of authorities to adequately protect lives and property.

It urged the government to move beyond statements and take decisive steps.

“Authorities must move swiftly to match their words with serious and concrete action to guarantee the human rights of everyone in Nigeria if they are to be taken seriously on their oft-expressed commitment to stop the killings, violence, abductions and other human rights crimes in several parts of the country,” Amnesty added.

Amnesty International urges urgent action over Benue killings