Ondo lawyers petition IGP over allegedly unlawful detention of Owolemi Emorioloye {SEE DETAILS}
*Media findings link arrest to controversial investigation involving Interior Minister
By KEMI KASUMU
As pressure mounts, observers say how the police handle the matter may further test public confidence in law enforcement and the country’s commitment to fundamental human rights.
A cloud of controversy has continued to trail the arrest and continued detention of Prince Owolemi Emorioloye, a media and political figure from Igbokoda in Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State, as his lawyers formally petitioned the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, over what they described as a gross violation of his fundamental rights.
The legal team, Ogbulu Chambers, acting on behalf of the Emorioloye family, accused operatives believed to be officers of the Nigeria Police Force of unlawfully arresting their client and detaining him at an undisclosed location without access to family members or legal counsel.
Lawyers raise alarm
In a strongly worded petition dated January 15, 2026, the lawyers stated that Mr. Emorioloye, whom they described as a law-abiding citizen, was arrested at about 9:00 a.m. from his residence in Igbokoda and taken away by security operatives.
“It is our brief that Mr. Owolemi Emorioloye was arrested by operatives believed to be officers of your law enforcement agency at his residence in Igbokoda, Ilaje Local Government Area, and subsequently taken to an undisclosed location,” the petition read.
The lawyers said all efforts to reach their client since his arrest had proved abortive, stressing that his continued detention without charge amounted to a breach of his constitutional rights.
They cited Sections 35 and 36 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), arguing that the alleged actions of the officers violated Emorioloye’s rights to personal liberty, human dignity, fair hearing and access to legal representation.
The petition demanded the immediate disclosure of Emorioloye’s place of detention, clarification of the alleged offence(s) against him, and either his unconditional release or prompt arraignment before a court of competent jurisdiction. The lawyers warned that failure to comply would result in legal action seeking enforcement of his rights and substantial monetary compensation.
Investigations revealed that copies of the petition were also forwarded to the Assistant Inspector General of Police in Akure, the Ondo State Commissioner of Police, and the Divisional Police Officer in Igbokoda.
Cause of arrest remains unclear
As of the time of filing this report, the police had not officially disclosed the reason for Emorioloye’s arrest. However, media investigations suggest that the incident may be linked to a controversial investigation he recently concluded involving alleged certificate forgery by the Minister of the Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo.
Two days before his arrest, Emorioloye had taken to his Facebook page to refute claims by some supporters of the minister that he was financially induced to discontinue the investigation. In a lengthy statement titled “Clarification on Alleged Inducement and the Integrity of the Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo Academic & NYSC Investigation,” he denied receiving or accepting any bribe to abandon the probe.
He maintained that while several intermediaries and prominent individuals reached out for dialogue, he rejected financial inducement and insisted that the matter be handled transparently. According to him, the investigation had already been concluded and what remained was its formal submission to relevant authorities for action.
Arrest sparks panic in Igbokoda
Meanwhile, the manner of Emorioloye’s arrest has fueled public anxiety. Earlier media reports described the incident as resembling a “kidnap,” throwing Igbokoda into panic.
Eyewitnesses said the arrest occurred at the busy Okonga/Olodo Junction when men arriving in two unmarked Hilux vehicles allegedly stormed his premises, forcefully dragged him out and bundled him into one of the vehicles.
The operation, which reportedly took place in broad daylight, caused confusion among residents and traders in the area, many of whom feared a worsening security situation in the coastal town.
As at press time, neither the Nigeria Police Force nor the Department of State Services (DSS) had issued an official statement confirming or denying involvement in the operation. Community leaders have since appealed to security agencies and the Ondo State Government to clarify the situation and ensure Emorioloye’s safety.
Associates cry foul play
Associates of the detained media figure have openly linked his arrest to his investigation into the alleged certificate forgery involving the Interior Minister. They claim the arrest came shortly after his public rebuttal of inducement allegations and described it as an attempt to intimidate or silence him.
The incident has continued to dominate discussions across social media platforms, with many Nigerians calling for transparency, respect for the rule of law, and accountability from security agencies.
As pressure mounts, observers say how the police handle the matter may further test public confidence in law enforcement and the country’s commitment to fundamental human rights.
Screenshots from lawyers petition below:
