Oyo Governorship Aspirant Oriyomi Hamzat Denies Criminal Connection, Alleges Political Smear

Oyo Governorship Aspirant Oriyomi Hamzat Denies Criminal Connection, Alleges Political Smear

June 14, 2026

The governorship candidate of the Accord Party in Oyo State, Oriyomi Hamzat, has firmly refuted allegations linking him to a suspected armed robbery kingpin, Surajudeen Adio Babatunde, popularly known as “Surii Ilupeju,” describing the claims as a deliberate and politically motivated attempt to damage his reputation ahead of the state's electoral contests.

Hamzat, a renowned broadcaster, philanthropist, and founder of Agidigbo FM, issued a detailed statement on Sunday in response to reports and social media publications seeking to associate him with the wanted suspect whose residence was recently raided by operatives of the Oyo State Police Command.

The Accord Party flagbearer described the allegations as false, malicious, and defamatory, insisting that he has never sponsored, shielded, financed, or encouraged any individual involved in criminal activities.

“My attention has been drawn to a malicious and mischievous publication circulating on social media seeking to drag my name into a criminal matter involving an individual identified as Surajudeen Adio Babatunde, popularly known as ‘Surii Ilupeju,’” Hamzat stated.

According to him, although he would ordinarily disregard what he termed political propaganda, he was compelled to respond due to the potential consequences of misinformation and the need to set the record straight.

Hamzat maintained that throughout his years in public service and media practice, he has consistently championed justice, truth, accountability, and the rule of law.

“Let me state categorically that I have never, at any time, sponsored, encouraged, shielded, or supported any individual involved in criminal activities,” he declared.

“Throughout my public life as a broadcaster, humanitarian, and now the gubernatorial candidate of the Accord Party, I have consistently stood on the side of justice, truth, and the rule of law.”

The governorship hopeful argued that attempts to hold him accountable for the alleged criminal activities of another individual merely on the basis of acquaintance or past association are both unfair and illogical.

He emphasized that knowing, employing, or interacting with a person does not automatically imply knowledge of every aspect of that individual's private conduct or activities.

“Employment, acquaintance, or social interaction with a person does not confer knowledge of, or complicity in, every aspect of that person's private life,” he stated.

Hamzat also called for strict adherence to due process, stressing that the Nigeria Police Force has established mechanisms for investigating criminal allegations and determining culpability.

He urged members of the public and political actors to allow law enforcement agencies to carry out their constitutional responsibilities without dragging innocent individuals into ongoing investigations.

“If any individual is declared wanted or is under investigation, the appropriate course of action is to allow law enforcement agencies to discharge their constitutional responsibilities without dragging innocent people into matters for political or personal reasons,” he noted.

The Accord Party candidate further reaffirmed his readiness to cooperate fully with security agencies whenever required.

“Should the police require any lawful assistance from me regarding any investigation, I will not hesitate to cooperate fully, as I have done on numerous occasions in the interest of public safety and justice,” Hamzat added.

In his statement, Hamzat accused unnamed political opponents of orchestrating what he described as a coordinated campaign of character assassination aimed at undermining his growing political influence and gubernatorial ambition.

According to him, the allegations form part of a broader effort to distract him from his commitment to serving the people of Oyo State.

“The authors of this publication have clearly chosen the path of character assassination over facts. Their intention is obvious: to score cheap political points by creating a false narrative around my person and my aspiration to serve the good people of Oyo State,” he said.

Despite the controversy, Hamzat insisted that he remains focused on his political agenda and developmental blueprint for the state.

“No amount of blackmail, false accusations, or coordinated smear campaigns will distract me from my commitment to the welfare, security, and progress of our dear state,” he stated.

The controversy follows a major operation conducted by operatives of the Oyo State Police Command.

According to the Command’s spokesperson, Ayanlade Olayinka, police officers acting on credible intelligence stormed the residence of Surajudeen Babatunde Adio, popularly known as “Surii Ilupeju,” in the Gbeku area of Olodo, Ibadan, during the early hours of June 12, 2026.

The operation reportedly led to the arrest of five suspected armed robbery suspects identified as Ahmed Nafiu (43), Olukunmi Olaniyi (36), Femi Odeyinde (53), Jelili Akinade (50), and Muhideen Adio (27).

Police disclosed that a comprehensive search of the premises uncovered several items believed to be connected to criminal activities.

Recovered exhibits included a pump-action gun, a cut-to-size single-barrel firearm, eight live cartridges, a native bulletproof vest, two bottles of suspected charm-infused syrup, assorted charms, and other incriminating materials.

The police described the operation as part of ongoing intelligence-led efforts to combat violent crime and strengthen security across Oyo State.

The development has sparked widespread debate across the state, with supporters and critics of the Accord Party candidate expressing divergent views on both the allegations and Hamzat’s response.

Political observers note that as Oyo State's political landscape becomes increasingly competitive ahead of future elections, public figures are likely to face heightened scrutiny, intensified political attacks, and efforts aimed at shaping public perception.

For now, Hamzat maintains that the allegations against him are entirely baseless and insists that his attention remains firmly fixed on his gubernatorial ambition and his vision for a safer, more prosperous, and economically vibrant Oyo State.

As investigations into the activities of the suspected criminal network continue, public attention remains focused on the outcome of the police probe and the potential political ramifications surrounding the controversy.