The Naval Commander who reportedly ordered the arrest of the All Progressives Congress (APC) House of Assembly candidate for Atakumosa East/West Local Government Area of Osun State, Hon. Babatunde Komolafe Festus, over the alleged possession of a firearm has reportedly been redeployed, according to Sahara Reporters. The publication also claimed that the politician has been released following what sources described as “orders from above.”

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According to the report, the commander was transferred shortly after news of the arrest went viral and generated public attention. A source alleged that the officer was made a “scapegoat” for authorising the arrest, while another claimed that Komolafe was released on the directive of senior authorities despite the alleged discovery of a firearm. The claims have not been independently verified, and there has been no official statement from the Nigerian Navy or other relevant authorities confirming either the redeployment or the release.

The reported development comes barely two days before the August 15 Osun State governorship election, amid heightened political tension and increased security across the state. Komolafe was earlier reported to have been apprehended by naval personnel in Ifewara, Osun State, during a routine search in which a firearm was allegedly found in a campaign vehicle. The incident has continued to generate public interest as security agencies intensify efforts to maintain law and order ahead of the governorship poll.