Wives of personnel of the Osun State Amotekun Corps who were arrested by the Nigeria Police over the killings in Akinlalu community have staged a protest in Osogbo, demanding the release of their husbands.
The women, whose spouses have been held in custody for several months, marched on Monday with placards calling on the Federal Government, the Nigeria Police, former governors, and influential political figures to intervene in the matter.
Speaking during the protest, one of the leaders, Ajiboye Olusola, appealed to authorities to free the detained operatives, stating that they had not heard from their husbands since they were taken to Abuja over four months ago.
She said the families had endured severe hardship since the arrests and urged the government and the police to show compassion by releasing the men, whom they insist are innocent.
Another protester, Idayat Oluwatoyin Oladokun, also pleaded with authorities, describing the detained men as the primary providers for their families. She said their absence had plunged their households into serious financial and emotional distress.
She added that her husband left home for work in October and never returned, saying the families had received no clear explanation for the continued detention.
Similarly, Demola Aminat appealed for mercy on behalf of the operatives, saying their families’ hopes depended on their release.
Last week, the women had taken their protest to the palace of the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, but could not meet him during their visit.
The arrests followed a deadly incident on September 30, 2025, when some residents of Akinlalu town were killed during a confrontation with Amotekun operatives. The Amotekun Corps had claimed that the victims attacked their personnel and seized their weapons while the officers were on official duty.
The Osun State Police Command later announced that an investigation had been launched and invited the Amotekun leadership to present the officers allegedly involved in the incident. The police also shut down the Amotekun offices in Ife Central Local Government Area and the base office in Okefia, Osogbo.
The protesting women are now urging the authorities to expedite the investigation and either release their husbands or clarify their legal status.
