By: Lauretta Fagbohun, Abeokuta.
The Ogun State Security Network (Amotekun) may soon acquire the legal powers to prosecute criminals directly in the state, according to its Commander, Brigadier General A.I. Adedigba (rtd). He disclosed this development during a media parley held at the Corps headquarters in Abeokuta, where he revealed that a bill to amend the agency’s enabling law was already under review.
Adedigba explained that a draft amendment was resubmitted to the Ministry of Justice earlier this year for consideration. Once finalized, he said, the document would be transmitted to the Ogun State House of Assembly for debate and possible passage. He expressed optimism that with the Governor’s assent, the amendment would enable Amotekun to conclude its duties from arrest to prosecution, strengthening the state’s security system.
“We are not in competition with any agency. What matters most is that Ogun State remains safe,” the Commander stressed. He maintained that Amotekun’s focus was not on outshining the police or other agencies but on working together to ensure peace and order.
While acknowledging that the Corps currently lacks prosecutorial powers under the Ogun State Security Network Agency and Amotekun Corps Law, 2020, Adedigba noted that suspects are presently handed over to the police for prosecution. However, he emphasized that the review of the law would bridge this gap and help streamline security operations in the state.
The Commander attributed much of Amotekun’s success to the unwavering support of Governor Dapo Abiodun. He highlighted the Governor’s approval for fresh recruitment, timely payment of salaries, and provision of operational facilities, which he said had motivated operatives and expanded the Corps’ reach across the state.
“Today, we have over fifty operational vehicles and seventy-five motorbikes to aid mobility. We have deployments in 22 tertiary institutions and 11 vocational schools. This is possible because we are being adequately funded and supported,” Adedigba revealed.
He also listed new operational strategies introduced by the Corps, including intensified patrols, manning of black spots, intelligence-led operations, community partnership, and inter-agency cooperation. According to him, these measures have ensured the Corps’ visible presence in every nook and cranny of the state, from highways and urban centres to rural communities and forest reserves.
Speaking at the event, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Security, AIG Olusola Subair (rtd), said Ogun has become significantly safer compared to a few years ago. He recalled that cult-related violence once threatened communities in Abeokuta, Sagamu, and Sango-Ota, but noted that such incidents had reduced drastically due to proactive measures by the Abiodun-led administration.
“If you are sincere, you will agree that the security situation has improved tremendously. The Governor has been proactive, and the synergy between all security agencies has restored peace. That is why industries are springing up across the state, particularly along the Abeokuta–Sagamu corridor, because investors feel safe,” Subair remarked.
The parley, which brought together stakeholders in the state’s security architecture, was also attended by the Ogun State Accountant General, Mr. Tunde Aregbesola, and the former Commissioner of Police, CP Edward Ajogun (rtd). Their presence underscored the broad collaboration between government institutions and security agencies in sustaining peace and boosting public confidence in Ogun State’s safety.