By Abidemi Samuel
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The Osun State House of Assembly has moved to clear the air on the recently amended law establishing the Osun State Security Network Agency, popularly known as Amotekun. The Assembly has categorically denied claims that the amended law grants the Amotekun Corps prosecutorial powers, describing such claims as a deliberate misinterpretation of the law.
According to the Assembly, Section 4(1)(k) of the amended law explicitly mandates the Amotekun Corps to forward case files to the office of the Attorney-General upon completing investigations. This provision is in line with Sections 174 and 211 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which assign prosecutorial powers exclusively to the federal and state attorneys-general.
The Assembly emphasized that the Amotekun Corps was established as a response to escalating security challenges that have overwhelmed the police force, not as a political tool. It urged critics and stakeholders to refrain from politicising security matters, cautioning that such actions undermine the corps’ effectiveness and public trust.
In a statement issued by Olamide Tiamiyu, the Chief Press Secretary to the Speaker, Adewale Egbedun, the Assembly noted that the law was passed with the aim of strengthening crime deterrence and ensuring justice for the people of Osun State. The Assembly advised individuals and groups with questions or concerns about the law to seek clarification from the appropriate channels instead of spreading false narratives.
Amotekun, described as a “child of necessity,” was established to address gaps in the security architecture and protect the lives and property of Osun residents. The Assembly reiterated its commitment to ensuring the corps operates efficiently and free from undue hindrance.
The Assembly urged the public to disregard misinformation and trust in its efforts to safeguard the state’s security interests. This clarification is expected to put to rest the controversy surrounding Amotekun’s role and powers.
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