The State Security Services (SSS) has arrested Damilare Bello, a member of the Ogun State House of Assembly representing Sagamu Constituency 1. His arrest is related to the recent violent clashes in his constituency, which resulted in numerous casualties.
Damilare Bello is a member of the opposition People’s Democratic Party (PDP), and the party has confirmed his arrest, characterizing it as political intimidation against the opposition.
In a statement by the state spokesperson of the PDP, Akinloye Bankole, the party condemned Mr. Bello’s arrest and accused the governor of using the secret police to intimidate political opponents.
While the PDP expressed willingness to cooperate with any investigation into the Sagamu violence, they raised concerns about the professionalism and sincerity of the ongoing investigation. The party claimed that nothing incriminating was found in Mr. Bello’s residence at the time of his arrest and suggested that the arrest might be an attempt to tarnish his reputation.
The PDP also noted that Mr. Bello’s residence in Sagamu was vandalized earlier, allegedly by individuals with ties to the All Progressives Congress (APC), which is the ruling party in the state.
The PDP urged the State Security Services to carry out their duties impartially and not become a tool for political witch hunts. They cited previous cases of alleged political persecution involving journalists and individuals critical of the government.
In conclusion, the PDP called on the state government to focus its efforts on identifying and addressing the actual troublemakers in Sagamu Local Government Area. The spokesperson of the SSS did not respond to calls, texts, or messages regarding the matter.
