A new wave of tension has hit the Ondo State Security Network Agency, popularly known as Amotekun Corps, following shocking allegations that three of its officers are being hunted by gunmen allegedly sent by the Corps Commander, Akogun Adetunji Adeleye.
The officers — Akinsipe Victor Temitope, Ekujumi Julius, and Abu Taiwo — are reportedly in hiding after raising concerns over their employment status and demanding their official appointment letters from the agency. What began as a call for due process and welfare rights has now spiraled into a life-threatening crisis.
According to a press statement released on Monday by human rights lawyer, Tope Temokun, Esq., who represents the aggrieved officers, the men are facing intimidation and potential assassination for daring to question the Corps’ leadership.
“The situation inside the Ondo State Security Network Agency (Amotekun Corps) has escalated from intimidation to outright elimination attempt,” the statement read.
“Gunmen, allegedly sent by the Corps’ Commander, Akogun Adetunji Adeleye, are now hunting these officers around town. One of them, Abu Taiwo, narrowly escaped after gunmen stormed his home at night and fired shots. Since that night, he has been missing,” Temokun alleged.
In a disturbing turn of events, Taiwo’s wife, whose identity has not been disclosed for safety reasons, reportedly staged a solo protest earlier today at the Ondo State Government House, crying out for her husband’s safety and the protection of the other two officers.
The lawyer stated that the three officers were suspended by Commander Adeleye after formally requesting their appointment letters — documents that would officially confirm their employment and entitlements as Amotekun personnel.
“Their only ‘crime’ was asking for the paperwork they signed up for — the documents that validate their service and guarantee their rights. Men driven by power will stop at nothing to cling to it, forgetting that power is a loan from the people and the expiry date always arrives,” Temokun wrote.
The petition calls on Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, as the Chief Security Officer of Ondo State, to immediately intervene, ensure the safety of the officers, and order a transparent investigationinto the conduct of Commander Adeleye.
“We call on the Governor to protect these men, investigate the Commander, and ensure that no harm comes to them under his watch,” the statement concluded.
As of the time of filing this report, neither Commander Adeleye nor the Ondo State Government has issued any official response to the allegations. Repeated attempts to reach Amotekun’s public relations office for comments were unsuccessful.
The Ondo Amotekun Corps, established in 2020 as part of the South-West regional security network, was created to complement the efforts of conventional security agencies in tackling local crimes, kidnapping, and banditry. However, recent developments raise concerns about internal accountability, officers’ welfare, and the protection of whistleblowers within the agency.
This unfolding situation highlights the growing need for institutional transparency and protection of officers’ rights in paramilitary structures across Nigeria.
As investigations continue, Chronicles Reporters will monitor the story closely and update readers as more details emerge.