The Oyo State Police Command has identified as Lateef Wasiu, the man who was caught in possession of a double-faced jackknife on Wednesday at the Labour Party presidential campaign in Ibadan, Oyo State.
Adewale Osifeso, spokesperson for the police command said in a statement on Saturday that the suspect, who concealed the weapon inside his suit, was arrested by police operatives at the venue of the rally.
But Osifeso debunked a claim making the round that the suspect made an assassination attempt on the presidential candidate of Labour Party, Peter Obi.
However, he said Wasiu acted contrary to extant laws, especially the 2022 Electoral Act by bringing a weapon to the rally ground.
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.”
A video clip had earlier trended online when the suspect was caught with the weapon at the Lekan Salami Stadium, Adamasingba in Ibadan. The incident, however, stirred several reactions as people claimed it was an attempt to murder the Labour Party presidential candidate.
