ACCORD GOVERNORSHIP ASPIRANT DISMISSES ALLEGED TIES TO WANTED SUSPECT
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By: Balogun Ibrahim
Popular broadcaster and Accord Party governorship aspirant in Oyo State, Oriyomi Hamzat, has dismissed claims linking him to a wanted police suspect, Surajudeen Babatunde, popularly known as “Surii Ilupeju,” describing the allegations as a deliberate attempt to damage his reputation.
In a statement issued on Sunday, Hamzat reacted to a social media publication alleging a connection between him and the suspect, insisting that the claims were false and politically motivated.
According to him, the publication was designed to undermine his public image and create a misleading narrative ahead of the 2027 governorship election in Oyo State.
Hamzat said he would ordinarily have ignored what he described as propaganda but decided to respond to prevent the spread of misinformation and set the record straight.
He maintained that he has never sponsored, protected, encouraged, or supported any individual involved in criminal activities, stressing that throughout his career as a broadcaster, humanitarian, and politician, he has remained committed to justice, truth, and the rule of law.
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The controversy followed a police raid on a residence in the Gbeku area of Olodo, Ibadan, on June 12, 2026. Acting on intelligence reports, operatives of the Oyo State Police Command targeted the property linked to Ilupeju and arrested five suspected armed robbers while recovering firearms, ammunition, and suspected charms.
Following the operation, social media posts allegedly sought to portray Ilupeju as an associate of Hamzat, prompting the broadcaster to issue a public clarification.
Hamzat argued that any previous employment, social, or personal relationship with an individual should not be interpreted as knowledge of, or involvement in, that person’s alleged criminal activities.
He described attempts to hold him responsible for another person’s alleged conduct as unfair, illogical, and dishonest.
The governorship aspirant urged the public to allow security agencies to carry out their investigations without dragging innocent individuals into criminal matters for political or personal reasons.
He reaffirmed his confidence in the Nigeria Police Force as the appropriate institution to investigate criminal allegations and determine culpability.
Hamzat also pledged full cooperation with law enforcement agencies if required, noting that he has always maintained a cordial relationship with security authorities and would provide any lawful assistance necessary in the interest of justice and public safety.
Accusing the authors of the publication of engaging in character assassination, he said the campaign was aimed at scoring political points and discrediting his ambition to govern Oyo State.
He urged residents to disregard the allegations, insisting that he remains focused on his political aspirations and commitment to public service.
According to him, no amount of blackmail, false accusations, or smear campaigns will deter him from pursuing the welfare, security, and development of Oyo State.
Hamzat added that he would continue to uphold the principles of integrity, accountability, and service that have defined his public life and professional career.
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