17 Police Officers Allegedly Storm Ilorin to Arrest UNILORIN Lecturer
Alleged Operation Linked to Political Differences Over Karimi, Kabba–Olle–Iluke Road;
Lecturer Reportedly in Lokoja as Bail Efforts Underway
A fresh controversy has emerged over an alleged attempt by about 17 police officers from the Kogi State Command to storm Ilorin, Kwara State, with the reported intention of arresting and taking away a lecturer at the University of Ilorin over alleged political differences involving the Kogi West Senator, Senator Sunday Karimi, and the administration of Governor Usman Ododo of Kogi State.
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According to information obtained by Democracy Newsline Newspaper, the alleged operation was reportedly connected to claims that some members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kogi West who openly identify with Senator Karimi and President Tinubu have been subjected to intimidation, threats and pressure over their political activities.
Sources familiar with the development alleged that the police team travelled to Ilorin in an attempt to arrest the lecturer and take him to Kogi State. The sources further alleged that the operation was linked to the lecturer’s perceived political association and his position on issues concerning Senator Karimi and the Kabba–Olle–Iluke road project.
The alleged operation has generated concerns among political stakeholders, particularly because the lecturer is based in Kwara State and the reported incident allegedly involved officers from the Kogi State Police Command.
Sources further alleged that the operation was carried out following an instruction purportedly linked to the Kogi State Security Adviser, Commander Jerry Omodara (retd.).
However, the allegation has not been independently established, and it remains unclear whether the officers were acting pursuant to a formal warrant or other lawful authority.
The controversy comes against the backdrop of growing political disagreements within the Kogi West APC ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The alleged incident occurred at a time when political divisions within the Kogi West chapter of the APC have reportedly become increasingly visible, particularly over the political future of Senator Sunday Karimi and the choice of candidates ahead of the 2027 elections.
Senator Karimi recently held a town hall meeting with constituents and stakeholders from Kabba/Bunu and Ijumu at the 95 Degree Event Centre in Kabba. The meeting was attended by several APC leaders, former lawmakers, traditional representatives, women and youth leaders, as well as other party stakeholders.
During the meeting, several APC leaders publicly expressed support for Karimi’s continued representation of Kogi West, while the gathering also featured calls for support for President Tinubu and other APC candidates.
The development has reportedly heightened tension among some party members, with allegations that individuals who participated in or supported such political gatherings have subsequently faced pressure or threats.
It was also reported that in Kabba/Bunu and Lokoja Local Government Areas, some APC ward chairmen have been suspended and remain suspended to date, while some political appointees and party officials have allegedly faced threats over their perceived support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Senator Sunday Karimi.
One of the cases cited by sources involved the Leader of the Kabba/Bunu Legislative Council, who was allegedly threatened with replacement after attending a political programme involving supporters of President Tinubu and Senator Karimi at the 95 Degree Event Centre in Kabba.
The allegations have raised questions about whether internal political disagreements within the APC are spilling over into the activities of government and security agencies.
Police, Security Adviser Yet to Confirm Alleged Operation
When contacted, the Kogi State Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Saliu Oyiza Afusat, said she had no knowledge of the alleged development.
Efforts to obtain the reaction of Commander Jerry Omodara (retd.) were unsuccessful as of the time of filing this report. A message sent to his WhatsApp line seeking his response was not answered.
The police authorities and the Security Adviser have therefore not publicly confirmed that a team of 17 officers was deployed to Ilorin or that such an operation was authorised by the Kogi State Government.
However, the lecturer involved has reportedly arrived in Lokoja, Kogi State, while efforts to secure his release on bail are said to be underway.
The circumstances surrounding his movement from Ilorin to Lokoja, including the specific allegations or legal basis for his reported detention, could not be independently established as of the time of filing this report.
Meanwhile, political observers are expected to closely monitor the development, particularly against the backdrop of increasing political activities within Kogi West ahead of the 2027 elections.
If the allegations concerning the deployment of the officers and the circumstances surrounding the lecturer’s arrest are established, the development could raise questions about the use of security institutions in disputes arising from internal party politics.
For now, the allegations remain subject to confirmation from the relevant security authorities and the individuals directly involved.
DemocracyNewslineNewspaper, September 16, 2026
