Operatives of the Nigeria Police Force allegedly invaded the residence of Alalade Bukola Félix, popularly known as Machiavelli, a Special Assistant on Media to Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke, in the early hours of Monday and took him away after reportedly forcing their way into his home.
According to a report by SaharaReporters, the incident occurred at about 1 a.m. when police officers arrived at Alalade’s residence and demanded that he come outside.
A voice note obtained by the publication reportedly captured parts of the incident, including Alalade’s interaction with the officers during the operation.
In the recording, Alalade could be heard asking the officers who they were and pleading with them. He reportedly told the officers that he was willing to come out voluntarily, apparently in an attempt to avoid a confrontation.
The recording, however, later captured sounds suggesting that the officers were breaking down the door of the residence before gaining entry.
Alalade’s wife, Folakemi, could also reportedly be heard pleading with the officers not to arrest her husband. The officers were allegedly heard shouting at her and warning her against intervening in the operation.
The circumstances surrounding the arrest, including the specific allegations or charges against Alalade, were not immediately clear from the account.
The incident has also triggered concerns among political observers, particularly amid allegations of increasing political tension in Osun State. It was alleged that the operation was carried out by the Osun State Police Command as part of a wider clampdown on members and supporters of opposition political parties by the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The allegation has not been independently established, and the police have not, based on the information available in the report, publicly provided a detailed explanation of the circumstances surrounding Alalade’s arrest.
Alalade is known publicly as a media aide to Governor Adeleke and has been active in political communication and public discourse in Osun State. His reported arrest is therefore likely to attract further attention, particularly given the political implications of an alleged police operation involving a serving government aide.
The reported manner of the operation, including the alleged forced entry into his residence in the middle of the night, has also raised questions about the conduct of the officers involved and the legal basis for the arrest.
As of the time of reporting, further details about Alalade’s whereabouts, the reason for his detention and whether he had been formally charged were not available.
The development comes against the backdrop of continuing political rivalry in Osun State, where disputes involving political parties and their supporters have periodically generated controversy.
Further clarification from the Nigeria Police Force and the Osun State Police Command would be necessary to establish the circumstances of the operation, the reason for Alalade’s arrest and whether any charges have been brought against him.
Source: Thepressradio.com
