Adedayo Adegbola, the younger brother to embattled traditionalist Abdulazeez Adegbola, aka Tani Olohun, narrates how his brother was arrested in Ibadan, Oyo State, and taken to Ilorin, Kwara State, by police officers.

Adegbola’s story first hit social media in August when news surfaced that he had been arrested and taken to Ilorin for allegedly insulting the Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, among other offences.

His arrest sparked mixed reactions among many. While some argued on how his human rights were violated, some Muslims celebrated his arrest.

According to him, “Abdulazeez received a message from a man known as Oniyawo Meta on Facebook. The man asked him to see him as he had items to contribute to the upcoming Isese Day. He gave my brother a Sanyo address. My brother set out for Sanyo on his bike. On getting to the venue, he was accosted by some men whom he assumed to be kidnappers. He immediately fled the scene, racing to the Sanyo police station.

“ At the station, he learned that the men were officers from Kwara State, sent to arrest him. The Sanyo officers handed him over to the Kwara officers, who brought him to Ilorin that night. I saw it on Facebook. Some Muslims were sharing photos of him to celebrate his arrest,” he said.

Speaking on if anyone from the Sanyo police command reach out to their family, he said “No, they did not. As I said, we found out about this arrest on Facebook. I asked a relative to visit the station the following day to confirm, and his arrest was confirmed to us, but they did not officially inform my family of his arrest. They confirmed that his bike is in their custody as well.

“First, only I and Abdulazeez practice the Isese religion in our family. When the issue started, I informed my family not to worry as the Israeli community was and is still helping to secure his release. My family got tired after a while, so my mother went to Ilorin to plead with the Alfas so they could release my brother from custody. That, of course, did nothing, as he is still behind bars.

“His arrest has affected us. No one wants their family member locked up. He has a wife and kids, and his arrest has indeed taken its toll on them. I would also like to appreciate the Isese community; they have been helpful since this ordeal started. They have been of great help, financially and emotionally. I am indeed grateful to them.

Adegbola was arrested on August 16 and remanded at a correctional facility in Ilorin, Kwara State, for allegedly insulting the Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, among other offenses.

He has since been charged to court on a five-count charge of alleged criminal conspiracy, stirring public disturbance, disturbance of public peace, criminal defamation of character, and intentional insult. (The PUNCH)