A resident of Oroki Estate, Osogbo, Aderanti Jeremiah Oluwapelumi, has denied allegations of fraud and impersonation levelled against him by the police following a controversial operation in which operatives scaled the fence of his residence during an attempted arrest.
The incident, which occurred on Wednesday, May 7, 2026, attracted public attention after a viral video surfaced online showing some police officers climbing over the fence of the residence before gaining access into the compound.
The development generated reactions on social media, with many users criticising the operation and questioning the conduct of the officers involved.
The police had earlier explained that the operation was carried out after the suspect allegedly attempted to evade arrest.
Reacting to the incident, the spokesperson for Zone 11 Police Command, Ogunyemi Adeyemo, said the suspect had been on the police wanted list over allegations bordering on impersonation and obtaining money under false pretences.
Adeyemo alleged that Oluwapelumi falsely presented himself as a lawyer and also claimed to be a personal assistant to Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, in order to defraud unsuspecting members of the public.
The police spokesperson further disclosed that several petitions had been submitted against the suspect by complainants accusing him of fraudulent activities.
According to the police, operatives visited the suspect’s residence after previous efforts to reach him proved unsuccessful.
Adeyemo stated that the suspect initially came out to meet the officers after a house help informed him of their presence but later requested time to change his clothes before allegedly locking the gate and attempting to evade arrest.
The police said the officers subsequently scaled the fence to gain access into the compound, adding that the suspect later reported himself at the police station voluntarily.
The command maintained that the officers acted within the powers granted to them by law and disclosed that the suspect would be charged to court after investigations are concluded.
However, in a statement made available to AMILOADED on Saturday May 9, 2026, Oluwapelumi gave his own account of the incident, insisting that he was neither a fraudster nor a criminal.
He said he was at home with his aged and sick grandmother when the incident occurred and claimed he became frightened after unidentified men aggressively banged on his gate without properly identifying themselves.
The suspect explained that he initially saw a man identified simply as “Michael” standing with the house helper, while another man allegedly pointed a firearm at him and demanded that he open the gate.
Oluwapelumi stated that he requested a few minutes to properly dress up as he was half naked at the time, but before he could do so, one of the men had already climbed over the fence and opened the gate for others to enter the premises.
He further stated that the atmosphere became tense as the men allegedly shouted and forcefully banged on doors within the compound.
According to him, he contacted the Osun State Police Public Relations Officer to confirm whether the operatives were genuine police officers as they initially failed to properly identify themselves.
Oluwapelumi said he later discovered that the operatives were attached to Zone 11 Police Command and subsequently presented himself voluntarily at the command headquarters the same day.
He disclosed that he was informed at the command that a petition had been written against him over an alleged dispute involving a business associate identified as Dare Eluyemi.
He maintained that he fully cooperated with investigators by writing a statement and answering questions before he was later released while investigation continues.
The suspect also claimed that before the operation at his residence, he had not received any invitation or communication from security agencies concerning the petition.
He insisted that he had always honoured previous invitations from security agencies, including petitions allegedly written against him at the police and Department of State Services offices.
Oluwapelumi stressed that he had never been convicted of any criminal offence and urged the public not to conclude that he was guilty before the completion of investigations.
He added that he remained committed to cooperating with lawful investigations and expressed confidence that the truth surrounding the matter would eventually emerge through due process.
The statement reads in full, “My attention has been drawn to several publications and social media narratives concerning the incident that occurred at my residence in Oroki Estate, Osogbo, on the morning of 7th May, 2026, involving operatives attached to the Nigeria Police Force, Zone 11.
“Without prejudice to the ongoing investigation, and purely for the purpose of public clarity, I consider it necessary to briefly state my own experience of what transpired.
“At about 10:18am on the said date, I was at home with my aged and sick grandmother after our house helper had earlier informed me she would be leaving for her tailoring training. I had barely woken up from sleep when I suddenly heard very aggressive banging on my gate. I repeatedly asked who was there, but no clear response was given.
“Out of concern and confusion, I approached the fence area and saw our visibly frightened helper standing beside an unfamiliar man who identified himself only as “Michael.” When I asked who he was and where he came from, he avoided giving any proper explanation and simply insisted that he wanted to see me. Almost immediately, I noticed another man in a white shirt, without any visible identification as a law enforcement officer, shouting aggressively at me to open the gate. At that point, a firearm was already being pointed in my direction while abusive and threatening words were being used. Naturally, I became frightened and requested only a few moments to properly dress up, as I was half naked at the time.
“I immediately went inside to wear my clothes, but before I could properly do so, I saw one of the men already climbing over my fence. It was at that point I quickly brought out my phone to record what was happening. The man later opened the gate from inside for the others to gain entry into my compound. By then, the atmosphere had become extremely tense and frightening, with loud shouting and forceful banging on doors within the premises.
“Because none of the men initially identified themselves properly, and due to the manner of the operation, I became genuinely concerned about my safety amd that of my household. I immediately contacted the Osun State Police Public Relations Officer to verify whether the men were genuinely police officers and whether any team had officially been sent to my area. At first, I was informed that no team from the State CID had been deployed to my residence, which further heightened my fear and confusion at the time.
“In the midst of the panic and uncertainty, I managed to leave the premises. It was only later, after further inquiries, that I was informed the operatives were attached to Zone 11. I immediately contacted a senior officer known to me at the Command, who confirmed their identity. Upon receiving that confirmation, I voluntarily and peacefully presented myself at the Zone 11 Headquarters the same day without resistance or hesitation.
“At the Command, I was informed that there was a petition against me arising from an existing dispute involving someone personally known to me and a business partner a Man named Mr Dare Eluyemi. I fully cooperated with the investigation process, wrote my statement, and answered all questions directed at me. I was subsequently released the same day, while investigation continues.
“It is important to state that prior to the events of that morning, I was never invited, contacted, or informed by any security agency regarding the petition before the operation at my residence. As a law abiding citizen, I have always honoured lawful invitations whenever called upon by security agencies, including previous petitions written against me both at the Police and DSS offices by the same petitioners, but his petitions was seen as one that lacks merit, which I attended peacefully and respectfully.
“For the avoidance of doubt, I am not a fraudster, impersonator, or criminal as being portrayed in some quarters. I have never duped anyone, and I have never been convicted of any criminal offence whatsoever. Section 36(5) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended), clearly provides that every citizen is presumed innocent until proven guilty by a competent court of law. Furthermore, Sections 34 and 35 of the Constitution guarantee the dignity of the human person and the right to personal liberty, which remain fundamental pillars guiding lawful law enforcement operations in any democratic society.
“I believe strongly in the rule of law and remain fully committed to cooperating with lawful investigations. I am equally confident that the truth surrounding the underlying dispute and the events of that morning will ultimately be made clear through due process.
“I appreciate the concern, support, and restraint shown by members of the public despite the several conflicting narratives circulating online.”
