Naval Commander redeployed after arrest of Osun APC candidate as politician regains freedom

The Naval Commander who ordered the arrest of the All Progressives Congress (APC) House of Assembly candidate for Atakumosa East/West Local Government Area of Osun State, Hon. Babatunde Komolafe Festus, over alleged possession of a firearm has reportedly been redeployed.

Komolafe, who was allegedly arrested in connection with the possession of a gun, has also been released, with sources attributing his freedom to what they described as “orders from above.”

According to sources familiar with the development, the Naval Commander was redeployed shortly after the arrest attracted widespread public attention and triggered outrage.

“Naval Commander who arrested Komolafe and the other suspects has been redeployed,” one source told SaharaReporters.

The source alleged that the redeployment followed the circulation of reports about the arrest, claiming that senior authorities became concerned over the incident.

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“When the report went viral, those from above became agitated and the Commander who had the effrontery to order such arrest was made a scapegoat,” the source alleged.

The circumstances surrounding the alleged firearm possession and the basis for Komolafe’s arrest have continued to generate controversy, particularly amid heightened political activities in Osun State.

Another source claimed that Komolafe was released following intervention by senior authorities.

“They have freed the House of Assembly candidate, Komolafe, based on orders from those high up,” the source said.

The source further alleged that the decision to release the politician, rather than pursue the matter, had raised questions about accountability and the independence of security personnel.

“After the report went viral, instead of taking action, they let Komolafe go while the Naval officer who stood up to the occasion was punished,” the source added.

However, the allegations concerning the circumstances of the Commander’s redeployment, the alleged firearm possession and the reported intervention by senior authorities could not be independently verified.

The development comes amid increasing scrutiny of the conduct of security agencies during political activities, particularly where the arrest or investigation of political actors is involved.