April 15, 2026 | SUNTV Global Channel
The Nigeria Police Force in Ogun State has arraigned a resident, Opeyemi Babayemi, before an Odeda Magistrate Court on charges of conspiracy, stealing, and conduct likely to cause a breach of peace, in a case that has sparked public controversy.
The arraignment took place on Tuesday, April 14, 2026, following allegations that Babayemi had accused officers attached to the FUNAAB/Harmony Division of extortion and abuse of power.
According to court documents, police alleged that Babayemi conspired with others to steal N1.5 million belonging to one Alhaji Mobolaji Balogun and converted the money for personal use. However, a separate count has drawn criticism, as it accuses him of causing a breach of peace for filing a petition against police officers over alleged misconduct.
Babayemi pleaded not guilty to all charges.
Despite the offences being bailable, the magistrate reportedly refused to grant him bail and adjourned the matter until April 30, 2026.
The development has triggered backlash from a civil society group, the Anti-Cult Alliance Movement (ACAM), which had earlier petitioned the Inspector General of Police over the alleged misconduct by officers. The group claimed Babayemi’s arrest followed his complaints of extortion, unlawful detention, and abuse while in police custody.
ACAM also alleged that Babayemi and another individual were detained for four days in January 2026 without trial and only released after making payments totaling hundreds of thousands of naira, which they described as unlawful.
The group further alleged that Babayemi was re-arrested shortly after additional petitions were filed against the police, raising concerns over possible retaliation.
As of press time, the Ogun State Police Command had not issued an official response to the allegations.
The case is expected to continue on April 30, 2026, amid growing calls from rights advocates for an independent investigation into the conduct of the officers involved and the handling of the case.
