By Shina Abubakar, Osogbo

The Osun State Police Command has arrested Nurudeen Wakili, popularly known as Alowonle, the Chairman of the Osun State Transport Management System (OSTMS), over alleged involvement in multiple murders and other offenses.

Operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Squad, led by Commander Moses Lohor, apprehended Wakili on Monday night in Osogbo after receiving a petition alleging a brutal attack on one Alhaji Alowonle.

However, Wakili’s gang reportedly attacked the police team and facilitated his escape after a gunfight.

According to sources, Wakili was later re-arrested in the Oke-Baale area of Osogbo. During a search of his unmarked Toyota Highlander SUV, officers reportedly found a Beretta pistol and live ammunition. Nine members of his gang and a Toyota Hiace vehicle were also taken into custody.

Acting Police Public Relations Officer, Yemi Alade-Giwa, confirmed the incident on Tuesday, stating that Wakili engaged operatives in a gun battle during his initial arrest. He added that Wakili was injured while attempting to escape a second time and is currently receiving treatment at a teaching hospital.

Alade-Giwa said: “He engaged our operatives in a gun battle during the arrest. He was apprehended for unlawful possession of a firearm, attempted murder, conspiracy, murder, and malicious damage. None of our officers sustained injuries.

After escaping initially with the help of his gang, our team regrouped and re-arrested him. A search of his vehicle in his presence revealed live ammunition. He was injured during a second escape attempt and rushed to the hospital for treatment.”

Meanwhile, the OSTMS Secretary, Mukaila Popoola, claimed that Wakili was shot while in police custody. In a statement released on Tuesday, Popoola said the arrest was initially linked to a domestic issue and called for a thorough investigation into the circumstances of the shooting.

He urged members of the OSTMS to remain calm, stating: “Our chairman was shot in police custody under circumstances that demand thorough investigation. We call on our members to maintain peace across the parks while we address this matter with the appropriate authorities.”