Police launch manhunt for Abiola’s widow for allegedly sponsoring the invasion of Oyo State Government Secretariat by Yoruba Nation agitators.
Police are actively seeking Mrs. Dupe Onitiri-Abiola, suspected of backing the attack on the Oyo State Government Secretariat by self-proclaimed Yoruba Nation agitators.
Following the circulation of a video implicating her in the violence, Mrs. Onitiri-Abiola, the widow of Chief Moshood Abiola, has become the subject of a police manhunt.
Clad in military gear, armed agitators stormed the Oyo State House of Assembly complex within the secretariat, raising their flag before attempting to breach the governor’s office security.
Authorities apprehended 21 of the agitators, displaying confiscated arms, ammunition, and camouflage during a police parade on Monday, April 15.
Oyo State Police Commissioner Adebola Hamzat condemned the invasion as criminal and treasonous, although he refrained from directly implicating Mrs. Onitiri-Abiola.
Special Adviser to the Oyo State Governor on Security Matters, Mr. Fatai Owoseni, acknowledged Mrs. Onitiri-Abiola’s involvement in separatist movements and stressed the importance of security reform and youth engagement.
Prof. Banji Akintoye, leader of another Yoruba group, distanced his organization from the attack, suggesting it was orchestrated by Mrs. Onitiri-Abiola’s faction.
Subsequently, a viral video featuring Mrs. Onitiri-Abiola claiming leadership of the agitating group circulated on social media.
The Oyo State Police Commissioner reported that the arrested suspects have been revealing the identities of their sponsors, leading to the recovery of incriminating items from various locations within Oyo State.
The Commissioner urged parents and community leaders to discourage their youths from participating in activities that threaten public order, stressing the importance of collective efforts to safeguard the state and nation.