The National Youth President of Afenifere, Eniola Ojajuni, has raised alarm over alleged intimidation by the Nigeria Police Force, claiming that his safety is now at risk following his public remarks about his recent abduction and subsequent release.
In a detailed interview with Sahara Reporters, Ojajuni strongly refuted police reports crediting themselves with his rescue. Instead, he asserted that it was the Ondo State Forest Guards who facilitated his release from the kidnappers' den. He accused the police of attempting to distort the facts and of launching what he described as a retaliatory campaign against him due to his decision to speak out.
Rescue Operation and Disputed Police Claims
Ojajuni, who was recently kidnapped and later released, insists that the Ondo State Forest Guards, not the Nigeria Police, should be credited with the operation that led to his freedom. According to him, the Forest Guards acted in coordination with his wife and brother, both of whom were present during his release.
Contrary to statements issued by the Public Relations Officer (PRO) of the Ondo State Police Command, Ojajuni claims that no invitation was ever extended to him by the police for questioning or debriefing after his ordeal. He challenged the police to publish any such letter of invitation, along with evidence of receipt and acknowledgment from his end, emphasizing that no such communication ever occurred.
“The statement by the police PRO is false and irresponsible. If they truly invited me, let them publish the letter. I have never received any form of invitation, verbal or written,” he said.
Accusations of Traditional Ruler Complicity
Adding another layer of concern, Ojajuni alleged that four unnamed traditional rulers in Ondo State may have played a role in his abduction. While he stopped short of providing specific names or evidence, his accusation has stirred significant concern regarding the integrity of local leadership institutions, which are traditionally viewed as custodians of community safety.
These claims, if proven true, would point to a deeply troubling trend of infiltration or compromise within traditional authority structures in the state.
Calls for Transparency and Accountability
Ojajuni criticized the police for trying to take credit for a rescue operation they did not participate in, describing the action as a deliberate attempt to mislead the public and distort critical facts about a life-threatening incident. He emphasized the need for truthfulness and professionalism from security agencies, especially in cases as sensitive as kidnapping.
“Security agencies must operate with integrity and transparency. These are not issues to play politics with. People's lives are at stake,” he said.
He also revealed new details about his release, stating that he was freed alongside another victim a man from Jos, Plateau State after a ransom was paid. Interestingly, he noted that the ransom money was routed through his wife’s account, a move he says was carried out under duress and for logistical coordination with the kidnappers.
Formal Reports Made to Authorities
Following his release, Ojajuni said his wife promptly reported the incident to multiple law enforcement bodies. These included the Ijede Police Station in Lagos, the Anti-Kidnapping Unit of the Ondo State Police Command, and the Department of State Services (DSS) in Ondo State.
Despite these formal reports, he noted that the police failed to follow up with any inquiry or invitation a fact that, in his view, further discredits the claims of their involvement.
Demand for Justice and IGP’s Intervention
Ojajuni has now called on the Inspector General of Police (IGP) to launch an immediate investigation into the handling of his case by the Ondo State Police Command. He insists that the facts must be established transparently and that any attempt to cover up missteps or mislead the public must be thoroughly addressed.
“I am committed to the security and safety of our people. What happened to me must not happen to others, and we must ensure that justice and truth prevail.”
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