By Ikechukwu Nnochiri

ABUJA — A human rights lawyer, Mr. Pelumi Olajengbesi, on Thursday petitioned the Inspector General of Police, Mr. Tunji Disu, to investigate the circumstances that led to the brutal murder of a 14-year-old boy, Ezekiel Olapade, in Osun State.

Olajengbesi, who is counsel to the deceased, also urged the police to take proactive measures to tackle recurrent killings by what he described as political thugs in the state.

According to him, Olapade’s murder constituted a grave criminal offence that must be investigated thoroughly, professionally, and without delay.

Drawing the IGP’s attention to what he termed a pattern of election-related violence that has resulted in the loss of innocent lives, injuries, destruction of property and widespread fear across various communities in Osun State, the senior lawyer warned that such occurrences pose a great threat to public safety and the credibility of the governorship election slated for August 15.

He told the IGP that the Osun State Police Command appeared complacent, and that no pragmatic efforts had been made to bring the culprits to book despite several complaints that were lodged.

Consequently, he demanded, among other things, an immediate and comprehensive investigation into every incident of political violence outlined in schedules attached to the petition.

Part of the petitioner’s request included: “The identification, arrest, and prosecution of every individual found to have participated in, sponsored, financed, or facilitated acts of political violence, irrespective of political affiliation or status.

“The immediate deployment of additional tactical and conventional police personnel to identified flashpoints across Osun State.

“A comprehensive review of the security architecture in Osun State to guarantee peaceful elections.

“The immediate redeployment of the Commissioner of Police, Osun State Command, in order to restore public confidence in policing and election security.

“Appropriate directives to all police formations within Osun State to enforce the law impartially and without fear or favour throughout the electoral period.”

The petition, a copy of which was sighted by Vanguard, read in part: “I write in my capacity as a legal practitioner, a concerned citizen of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, and the Spokesperson of the Imole Campaign Council (TICC), to respectfully draw your attention to the deteriorating security situation in Osun State and to seek your urgent intervention in view of the alarming pattern of political violence that now poses an enormous threat to public safety, democratic governance, and the credibility of the forthcoming Governorship Election.

“The purpose of this petition is not merely to complain about political developments, but to bring to your attention a disturbing pattern of election-related violence which has resulted in the loss of innocent lives, serious injuries to several citizens, destruction of property, and widespread fear across various communities in Osun State.

“The right to life remains the most fundamental right guaranteed under the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended).

“The Nigeria Police Force bears the constitutional responsibility of protecting lives and property, maintaining public order, preventing crime, and ensuring that every citizen enjoys equal protection under the law irrespective of political affiliation.

“Over the past few months, Osun State has witnessed an alarming increase in incidents of political violence. The killing of 14-year-old Ezekiel Olapade in Ilobu, Irepodun Local Government Area, represents one of the most heartbreaking incidents.

“Sadly, this tragedy forms part of a wider pattern of violent occurrences affecting several local government areas across the state.

“Attached to this petition are schedules containing the names of victims, dates and locations of incidents, witness statements, photographs, videos, media publications, and other documentary materials currently available.

“These annexures provide a chronology of incidents that, taken together, raise serious concerns about the prevailing security situation in Osun State.

“I am deeply concerned that despite the recurrence of these incidents, public confidence in the ability of law enforcement agencies to prevent political violence and ensure accountability has continued to diminish.

“Every incident that goes without a prompt, transparent, and effective response encourages impunity and undermines confidence in democratic institutions.

“The forthcoming Governorship Election must not be conducted under an atmosphere of fear. Elections should be decided by the freely expressed will of the people through the ballot and not by intimidation, violence, or bloodshed.

“I respectfully urge your office to treat this petition with the urgency it deserves. The preservation of lives, the credibility of Nigeria’s democracy, and public confidence in the Nigeria Police Force require decisive and timely intervention.”