The Nigerian Navy officer who reportedly ordered the arrest of All Progressives Congress (APC) House of Assembly candidate for Atakumosa East/West Local Government Area, Hon. Babatunde Komolafe Festus, has allegedly been redeployed, while the politician has been released from custody.
According to Sahara Reporters, sources familiar with the development disclosed that the Commander was redeployed shortly after news of the arrest gained widespread public attention and generated significant reactions.
The sources further alleged that the officer’s redeployment followed directives from higher authorities, while Komolafe, who had been detained over the alleged possession of a firearm, was subsequently released.
One source quoted by Sahara Reporters claimed that rather than allowing the investigation to continue, senior authorities ordered the politician’s release after the incident attracted national attention.
Komolafe was reportedly arrested by Nigerian Navy personnel in Ifewara, Osun State, while travelling in a campaign vehicle alongside other supporters. The arrest allegedly followed a routine security search during which security operatives reportedly recovered a firearm from the vehicle.
A video circulating online, and referenced by Sahara Reporters, allegedly showed the arrested individuals being paraded by Navy personnel following the operation.
The incident occurred barely 48 hours before the August 15, 2026 Osun State governorship election, a period marked by heightened political tension and increased security deployment across the state.
As of the time of filing this report, the Nigerian Navy had not issued an official statement confirming the alleged redeployment of the Commander or explaining the circumstances surrounding Komolafe’s release. Likewise, no official clarification has been provided regarding the status of the investigation into the alleged firearm recovery.
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