Talabi Olatokunbo, the Secretary to the Ogun State government,has denied involvement in the arrest of the All Progressives Congress Youth Leader for Ijebu Ode Local Government and a member of the National Union of Road Transport Workers, Babatunde Aremu.
Aremu was said to have been picked up by the operatives of the Department of State Services in Ijebu Ode on Sunday, over a planned protest slated for today on the crisis rocking the NURTW in the state.
A video circulating on Monday showed some people suspected to be security personnel in two unmarked white Hilux vehicles shooting, apparently to scare people away.
The video was said to have been recorded on Sunday, as suspected operatives arrested the transport union leader allegedly on the orders of the Secretary to the state government, Mr. Talabi.
Talabi, however in a statement signed by him on Monday, said he knew nothing about the incident.
He urged the security agencies to ensure transparency in their investigation and provide clear explanations for the circumstances surrounding Aremu’s arrest.
The statement reads, “I am aware of the disturbing video circulating online regarding the arrest of Comrade Babatunde Aremu, Ogun State Youth Leader of the All Progressives Congress. I categorically deny any involvement in or ordering of this arrest.
“I urge the security operatives concerned to ensure transparency in their investigation and provide clear explanations for the circumstances surrounding Mr Aremu’s arrest.
“I appeal to the public to refrain from spreading unsubstantiated allegations and allow the truth to emerge through a thorough and impartial investigation.”
