Davido Transports Arms Through His Convoy For His Uncle, Governor Adeleke — Group Alleges
The Coalition for Osun Development (COD) has called on the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies to thoroughly scrutinise the convoy and political activities of music star David Adeleke, popularly known as Davido, over allegations of arms movement ahead of the August 15 governorship election in Osun State.
The group alleged that Davido's celebrity status and the large convoy that typically accompanies his movement provides cover for the movement of arms and ammunitions under the guise of political campaigns, rallies and concerts organised in support of his uncle, Governor Ademola Adeleke.
According to the Coalition, security agencies should not allow the celebrity status of any individual to prevent them from carrying out their statutory responsibility of maintaining law and order and preventing the movement of illegal arms.
The group specifically called on the Nigeria Police Force, the Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Dish, the Commissioner of Police in Osun State, CP Ibrahim Gotan, the Commissioner of Police in charge of Elections, and other security agencies to be sufficiently proactive and courageous to stop and search the celebrity's convoy.
The Coalition alleged that intelligence reports has it that the convoy serves as a conduit for the alleged transportation of arms to individuals it described as criminal elements and alleged supporters of the Accord Party and, by extension, Governor Ademola Adeleke.
The group further alleged that Davido, allegedly taking advantage of his celebrity status, had held meetings with some individuals whom it described as known criminal elements who had previously been declared wanted by the police.
According to the Coalition, some of the alleged meetings took place at the Ede residence of Yeye Dupe Adeleke Sanni, the matriarch of the Adeleke family.
The group also urged the police to investigate the residence of Mrs Dupe Adeleke, the elder sister to Governor Adeleke, alleging that a recent video circulated widely on social media purportedly showed individuals whom the Coalition identified as criminal elements being accommodated there.
The Coalition specifically mentioned individuals it identified as Taoreed Faronbi and Small Rugged, urging the police to establish their identities and investigate any claims concerning their alleged presence at the residence.
The group said its demand was based on what it described as the need for security agencies to act on credible intelligence and independently verify allegations rather than allow political affiliations, family connections or celebrity status to interfere with law enforcement.
“Security agencies must be audacious enough to stop and search any convoy where there is credible intelligence or reasonable suspicion of this nature.
Nobody, regardless of political connection, family background or celebrity status, should be above the law,” the Coalition said.
The group called for intensified intelligence gathering around political rallies, campaign concerts and movements involving large convoys as the state approaches the August 15 governorship election.
It also urged the police and other security agencies to investigate the claims concerning the Ede residence and determine whether any persons staying there are wanted or connected to criminal activities.
The Coalition maintained that its call was intended to protect the integrity of the electoral process and prevent the proliferation of arms and electoral violence in Osun State.
It appealed to members of the public who possess credible and verifiable information concerning alleged arms movement or wanted persons to submit such information directly to law-enforcement agencies for investigation.