Popular broadcaster and Accord Party governorship candidate in Oyo State, Oriyomi Hamzat, has denied any links to a robbery suspect, Surajudeen Babatunde, known as “Surii Ilupeju.” He called the attempts to connect him to the suspect a malicious smear campaign.
Hamzat made this statement on Sunday in response to a social media post that claimed he had an association with the suspect.
He said the post aimed to damage his reputation and create a false story about his political ambition ahead of the 2027 governorship election in Oyo State.
“My attention has been drawn to a malicious and mischievous publication circulating on social media seeking to drag my name into a criminal matter involving an individual identified as Surajudeen Adio Babatunde, popularly known as ‘Surii Ilupeju.’
“Ordinarily, I would not dignify such desperate propaganda with a response. But because of the potential for misinformation and the need to set the records straight, it has become necessary to address the falsehoods being peddled by those determined to tarnish my hard-earned reputation,” Hamzat said.
The broadcaster stated that he has never supported anyone involved in criminal activities.
“Let me state categorically that I have never, at any time, sponsored, encouraged, shielded, or supported any individual involved in criminal activities.
“Throughout my public life as a broadcaster, humanitarian, and now gubernatorial candidate of the Accord, I have consistently stood on the side of justice, truth, and the rule of law,” he said.
The issue started after a police operation. On June 12, 2026, Oyo State Police raided a house in the Gbeku area of Olodo, Ibadan, targeting Ilupeju’s home based on information linking it to criminal activities.
During the raid, police arrested five suspected armed robbers and recovered firearms, ammunition, and suspected criminal charms.
Following this, social media users began spreading claims that portrayed Ilupeju as Hamzat’s associate, prompting the broadcaster’s response.
While PUNCH Online could not confirm any link between them, the governorship candidate argued that knowing someone does not mean you are aware of or involved in their alleged crimes.
“The attempt to suggest that I bear responsibility for the personal actions or alleged criminal conduct of any individual simply because such a person may have had an association with me is both illogical and dishonest.
“Employment, acquaintance, or social interaction with a person does not confer knowledge of, or complicity in, every aspect of that person’s private life,” he added.
He urged the public to let security agencies do their work without dragging innocent people into criminal matters for political reasons.
According to him, the Nigeria Police Force is the right body to investigate criminal allegations and determine who is guilty.
Hamzat also said he is ready to work with law enforcement if needed.
“I have always maintained a cordial and cooperative relationship with security agencies. Should the police require any lawful assistance from me regarding any investigation, I will not hesitate to cooperate fully, as I have done on numerous occasions in the interest of public safety and justice,” he said.
The Accord Party candidate accused those behind the publication of trying to damage his character for political reasons.
“Their intention is obvious: to score cheap political points by creating a false narrative around my person and my aspiration to serve the good people of Oyo State,” he said.
He called on residents to ignore the allegations and insisted that he remains focused on his political goals and public service.
“No amount of blackmail, false accusations, or coordinated smear campaigns will distract me from my commitment to the welfare, security, and progress of our dear state,” he said.
Hamzat added that he would keep upholding the values of integrity, accountability, and service that have defined his career and public life.
This situation comes as political activities increase in Oyo State as various parties prepare for the 2027 elections.
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