Tensions in Osun State spiked on Thursday following a dramatic confession by a suspect, identified as Damilare Eniade, who admitted to discharging a firearm during a recent political rally in the state.​During police interrogation at the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) in Osogbo, Eniade directly accused an All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate in the upcoming elections of sponsoring and masterminding the violent disruption.​
According to security officials, the incident occurred at approximately 2:30 PM on Tuesday during a political gathering in Ilesa, Osun State, where several rally attendees sustained injuries following sporadic gunshots.​In a recorded statement made available to law enforcement officers, Eniade disclosed that he was specifically instructed to disrupt the event to intimidate political opponents and non-supporters.​
“I was paid and given direct orders by the candidate to ensure the rally was brought to a sudden halt. The goal was to create panic so people would be scared to come out,” Eniade reportedly stated during interrogation.​The revelation has sparked immediate reactions across political lines and prompted swift responses from law enforcement and party spokespersons: Speaking on behalf of the Osun State Police Command, Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) SP Yemisi Opalola confirmed that the suspect remains in custody. ​
“We have secured a voluntary statement from the suspect, Mr. Eniade, regarding the shooting incident in Ilesa. He has made serious allegations against a prominent political figure. Our tactical team is investigating these claims thoroughly, and anyone implicated, regardless of political standing, will face the full extent of the law.”
​”We have secured a voluntary statement from the suspect, Mr. Eniade, regarding the shooting incident in Ilesa. He has made serious allegations against a prominent political figure. Our tactical team is investigating these claims thoroughly, and anyone implicated—regardless of political standing—will face the full extent of the law.” In a counter-statement issued late Thursday afternoon, the State Publicity Secretary of the APC, Tajudeen Lawal, strongly rejected the claims, describing them as a politically motivated setup. ​
“Our candidate has no involvement whatsoever with Mr. Eniade or any act of violence. This is a fabricated narrative designed by opposition elements to tarnish the candidate’s image ahead of the elections. We demand a full, unbiased investigation by the police.”​”Our candidate has no involvement whatsoever with Mr. Eniade or any act of violence. This is a fabricated narrative designed by opposition elements to tarnish the candidate’s image ahead of the elections. We demand a full, unbiased investigation by the police.”
Conversely, the Osun State PDP Caretaker Committee Chairman, Akilat Olayiwola, called for the immediate arrest and prosecution of the named APC candidate. ​”The confession confirms what we have been warning the public about. Political violence has no place in our democracy. The Inspector General of Police must step in immediately to ensure justice is served.”
​”The confession confirms what we have been warning the public about. Political violence has no place in our democracy. The Inspector General of Police must step in immediately to ensure justice is served.”​
Following the development, the Osun State Commissioner of Police has ordered heightened security deployments across key local government areas, particularly around campaign venues, to prevent reprisal attacks and ensure public safety.​Investigations into the incident remain ongoing as police prepare to submit their preliminary report to the Directorate of Public Prosecutions (DPP).
