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The Oyo State Police Command has explained why officers attempted to arrest Isese advocate Abdulazeez Adegbola, popularly known as Tani Olohun, in Ibadan on Tuesday. The development followed a criminal complaint linked to a social media video allegedly involving the traditional religion activist and comments considered offensive to Islamic worship. The arrest attempt was disrupted after supporters and residents intervened, with Yoruba Nation activist Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho, also arriving at the scene. (“legit.ng” (https://www.legit.ng/nigeria/1727201-oyo-drama-sunday-igboho-stops-police-arresting-tani-olohun-ibadan/))
Videos circulating online showed plain-clothes officers struggling with Tani Olohun outside his residence as residents questioned their identity and actions. The incident quickly attracted attention because of Tani Olohun’s previous arrest in 2023 by officers from the Kwara State Command over allegations including defamation and insulting the Emir of Ilorin. He was later released after spending more than 90 days in detention.
The latest development has renewed debate over religious freedom, freedom of expression and the manner in which police arrests are conducted. The police are expected to clarify the specific allegations and legal basis for the attempted arrest as investigations continue.
