The Osun State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has called on the Nigeria Police to arrest and investigate All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftains allegedly linked to the murder of 14-year-old Ezekiel Olapade, warning against what it described as attempts to divert attention from the case.
In a statement signed by the state PDP Chairman, Hon. Sunday Bisi, on Wednesday, the party expressed concern over what it called the selective and partisan handling of the investigation into the killing of the teenager, who was allegedly murdered on June 21, 2026, around the Irepodun Local Government Secretariat in Ilobu.
The party extended condolences to the family of the deceased and insisted that everyone connected with the incident should be thoroughly investigated and prosecuted, regardless of political affiliation or status.
According to the PDP, the deceased’s parents and eyewitnesses alleged that the attackers arrived in a campaign vehicle bearing the inscription “Ajisope AMBO,” a slogan associated with some APC political figures in Osun State, adding that the allegation deserved a thorough, professional and impartial investigation.
The party also alleged that, hours before the attack, the court-sacked APC “Yes or No” Chairman of Irepodun Local Government reportedly contacted the Amotekun Commander in the council and warned operatives to vacate their office within the secretariat, threatening that anyone who returned would be shot.
It further claimed that the Amotekun office inside the local government secretariat later came under attack by political thugs, adding that the incident was reported to the Osun State Police Command by the Amotekun Corps Commander.
The PDP also referenced the arrest of Saheed Kareem, popularly known as “Tanfiani,” one of the principal suspects in the case, noting that he reportedly stated during a media interview while in police custody that he serves as an Executive Assistant to the court-sacked APC Chairman of Irepodun Local Government.
According to the party, the suspect’s statement raised important investigative questions that should not be ignored in view of the alleged threat reportedly issued before the attack.
The PDP, however, expressed concern that there had been no publicly known action by the police to question or investigate those mentioned in connection with the allegations.
Instead, the party alleged that attention had shifted to the PDP Chairman of Irepodun Local Government, despite what it described as the absence of any publicly known evidence linking him to the killing.
The party also alleged that police officers, acting on the directive of the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of the State Criminal Investigation Department, invaded the residence of the PDP chairman on June 29 without prior invitation and damaged property during the operation.
Describing the development as disturbing, the PDP said it could create the impression that the investigation was being diverted from individuals allegedly linked to the crime toward political opponents.
The party called on the Inspector-General of Police, the Police Service Commission, the National Human Rights Commission and other relevant institutions to monitor the investigation and ensure it is conducted fairly, professionally and without political interference.
Among its demands, the PDP called for a comprehensive and impartial investigation into the murder, an inquiry into the alleged threats made against Amotekun personnel before the attack, the investigation of alleged owners of the campaign vehicle reportedly used by the suspects, an explanation from the Osun State Police Command over the reported operation at the residence of the PDP chairman, and assurances that security agencies would remain politically neutral.
The party reaffirmed its commitment to peace, justice and the rule of law, stating that it would continue to support the family of the late Ezekiel Olapade in their pursuit of justice while resisting any attempt to politicise or compromise the investigation.
