Tension in Akure as Police, Amotekun Clash Over Custody of Theft Suspect

A tense confrontation between operatives of the Nigeria Police Force and the Ondo State Security Network Agency, popularly known as Amotekun, erupted on Sunday in Akure, the Ondo State capital, over the custody of a suspect involved in a motorcycle theft.

The fracas, which occurred in the Ijoka area of the city, caused panic among residents and commuters as both agencies engaged in a heated tussle, with injuries reported and shots fired into the air, creating pandemonium in the otherwise quiet neighborhood.

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Police and Amotekun Face Off in Custody Dispute

According to eyewitnesses, the incident began after a complainant reported the theft of his motorcycle to the Amotekun Corps. Acting on the tip-off, the operatives reportedly tracked down the stolen motorbike and apprehended a suspect believed to be responsible for the theft.

While Amotekun officers were in the process of moving the suspect and the recovered motorcycle to their headquarters, police officers from the Ijoka Divisional Headquarters arrived at the scene. The police team, which included the incident duty officer and two others, demanded that the suspect be handed over to them for proper documentation and investigation.

However, Amotekun officers refused to comply, insisting that they had made the arrest and were handling the case. Tensions quickly escalated as both parties argued over jurisdiction, leading Amotekun to take the suspect to their base instead of releasing him to the police.

What followed was a dramatic twist, as the police allegedly mobilised additional personnel and stormed the Amotekun office in a bid to retrieve the suspect, resulting in injuries to several Amotekun officers during the physical altercation.

Official Statements and Contradicting Accounts

Confirming the incident, Police Public Relations Officer, Ayanlade Olusola, issued a statement clarifying the police’s version of events. According to Olusola, the police acted within the bounds of the law, having received the initial complaint regarding the theft.

“It is important to note that the police officers were the first to arrive at the scene,” he said. “However, while executing their lawful duties, operatives of the Amotekun Corps arrived with a large group of commercial motorcyclists and in a disorderly, commando-like fashion, took custody of the suspect and exhibits, injuring a police officer in the process.”

He added that upon learning of the situation, the Commissioner of Police, CP Wilfred Olutokunbo Afolabi, ordered tactical units to retrieve both the suspect and the motorcycle. Following interventions by senior commanders from both sides, the suspect and the stolen property were eventually handed over to the police.

However, the resolution did not come without further drama. The police spokesperson noted that some aggrieved Amotekun members, unhappy with the release of the suspect, began firing into the air in protest. In response, police officers at the scene deployed tear gas to disperse the crowd and restore order.

“No exchange of gunfire occurred between the two agencies,” Olusola clarified. “The use of tear gas was a measured response to prevent further escalation and ensure public safety.”

Public Reaction and Call for Calm

The confrontation sparked fear among residents and raised questions about inter-agency coordination and professionalism in handling criminal cases. Eyewitnesses described chaotic scenes as passersby and motorists fled the area when the altercation became heated and shots were fired.

Speaking on the condition of anonymity, a shop owner in the area said, “People ran for their lives when we heard gunshots. We didn’t know who was fighting whom. All we saw were men in uniforms chasing each other and people shouting.”

Another resident urged both security outfits to prioritise collaboration over competition. “We understand they are all trying to keep us safe, but this kind of public fight between uniformed men is dangerous. It sends the wrong message,” he said.

Emphasis on Lawful Conduct and Cooperation

In the aftermath, the Ondo State Police Command reiterated its commitment to working collaboratively with other security agencies, including Amotekun, to maintain peace and combat crime across the state. However, it stressed the importance of adhering to due process and inter-agency protocols to avoid future misunderstandings.

“It is imperative that all agencies respect one another’s mandates and engage in conflict resolution through proper channels,” the police statement read.

As the dust settles on the Akure standoff, stakeholders are calling for improved communication and operational synergy among security agencies to prevent such clashes. The public, meanwhile, is left to ponder the implications of a security architecture that occasionally turns against itself in the course of enforcing the law.