Police in Oyo have debunked the rumour that a man, Lateef Wasiu, who was caught in possession of a double-faced jackknife on Wednesday at the Labour Party’s rally in Ibadan, Oyo State, wanted to assassinate the party’s presidential candidate Peter Obi.
In a statement on Saturday, Oyo police spokesman Adewale Osifeso said the suspect concealed the weapon inside his suit.
Osifeso added that Wasiu only acted contrary to extant laws, especially the 2022 Electoral Act by bringing a weapon to the rally ground which was Lekan Salami Stadium, Adamasingba in Ibadan.
The police spokesman said charges had been filed against the suspect in court.
Osifeso said, “Preliminary investigations revealed that the event was characterised with effective deployment of operational, tactical and intelligence assets, which was monitored under the highest levels of professionalism.
“He was arrested by police operatives stationed at the venue for being in possession of a concealed weapon, a double-faced jackknife on the inside of his suit in violation of the 2022 Electoral Act and other guiding regulations.
“Assertively, the Command wishes to reiterate that there was no assassination attempt on the life of Mr Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Labour Party, contrary to widespread, unfounded speculations. Lateef Wasiu has already been charged to court.”
