NANS demands immediate action on detained student leader in Osun

The National Association of Nigerian Students, NANS, Southwest Zone, has given the Osun State Police Command 24 hours to either charge detained student leader Alalade Felix, known as "Machiavelli", or let him go.

NANS made this demand in a statement on Wednesday, signed by its Southwest Coordinator, Adeyemo Josiah; Public Relations Officer, Olugbemi Timothy; and General Secretary, Ojetola Babatunde.

The group said its leaders visited the Osun State Police Command in Osogbo regarding Alalade’s arrest and ongoing detention.

According to NANS, Alalade’s wife claimed police officers came to their home around 1am, forced their way inside, and took him without informing the family about where he was being taken.

The group noted that he was first taken to the Area Command in Ilesa and then moved to the State Criminal Investigation Department in Osogbo.

This situation has arisen amid rising political tension in Osun State ahead of the governorship election on August 15. Security agencies are under pressure to stay neutral and prevent any violence.

NANS said the police accused Alalade of being involved in a violent incident during a political event and stated that there is video evidence to back this claim.

However, the student body insisted that any evidence against him should be shown in court. "Our position is straightforward: If such evidence exists, place it before a competent court and prosecute him according to law," the statement said.

NANS claimed it sought clarity and credible evidence during its visit to the police command but did not receive any. "During our engagements at the Police Command, we sought clarity and credible material supporting the allegations. No such material was presented. The mere existence of an allegation cannot become a substitute for judicial scrutiny or an excuse for prolonged detention," it stated.

While NANS acknowledged that the police have a duty to investigate crimes and arrest suspects based on reasonable suspicion, it insisted that continued detention should not be used as punishment. "An allegation is not a conviction. An investigation is not a sentence," NANS stated.

The student body called on the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, to step in and ensure that officers involved act within the law, professionally, and without political pressure.

NANS emphasized that this demand is especially important with the upcoming governorship election. They argued that public trust in the neutrality of security agencies must be maintained. "This is particularly important at a time when Osun State is approaching a sensitive election and public confidence in the neutrality of security agencies must not be allowed to deteriorate," the statement said.

The group also mentioned that it has previously collaborated with the police through the Police Campaign Against Cultism and Other Vices, POCACOV, to combat electoral violence and social issues. "Such cooperation can only survive where there is mutual trust, transparency, professionalism, and fairness," it added.

NANS made it clear that its intervention is not related to Alalade’s job or political ties. "He is one of us," NANS said, calling him a former NANS JCC Osun Public Relations Officer, former Convention Planning Committee Chairman, a graduate of the University of Ilesa, and an active member of the student movement.

The association stated that any political interests surrounding the allegations are secondary to their main concern: that Alalade should receive due process. "Our concern is that a recognised student leader must enjoy the same due process guaranteed to every Nigerian citizen," the statement said.

NANS then issued its ultimatum to the police: "Our position is simple: Within the next 24 hours, either bring Comrade Alalade Bukola Felix 'Machiavelli' before a competent court and place the allegations and available evidence before the judiciary, or release him in accordance with the law."

The group also urged the Osun Commissioner of Police and senior officers responsible for election security to show fairness and professionalism. They warned that failing to resolve the issue lawfully could lead them to consider peaceful action.

"Should this situation continue without lawful judicial intervention or satisfactory resolution, NANS will consult its structures and commence lawful, peaceful, and organised mass action to demand respect for due process and the fundamental rights of one of our own," it said.

NANS stressed that it would not block a legitimate criminal investigation or defend wrongdoing. "We remain non-partisan. We will neither defend wrongdoing nor obstruct a legitimate criminal investigation. But neither will we sit idle while political tension becomes an excuse for the rights of student leaders to be disregarded," the statement added.

They concluded with a strong message: "Investigate if you must. Prosecute if you have evidence. But let the law, not allegation, determine guilt."

The statement was also sent to the NANS National Headquarters, the Inspector-General of Police, the Director-General of the Department of State Services, the Commandant-General of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, the Osun Commissioner of Police, and other election security authorities.