By Adesakin Adefemi
The Kwara State Police Command on Monday dismissed allegations that it unlawfully detained a 16-year-old girl in Arandun, Irepodun LGA, insisting the minor was taken in for shielding her brother from arrest in a housebreaking and theft case.
The denial follows public outrage after videos circulated on social media showing the teenager at the Arandun Police Division, with residents staging protests and accusing officers of “detaining by proxy.” The footage sparked fresh scrutiny of police handling of minors.
In a statement issued by the command’s spokesman, SP Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, on behalf of the Commissioner of Police, the force said the narrative of unlawful detention was “misleading” and intended to misinform the public.
According to the police, the incident began on April 30, 2026, when a case of housebreaking and theft was reported at the Arandun Division. The prime suspect, 19-year-old Timothy Aransiola, had been on the division’s watchlist and absconded after the report was filed.
Subsequent intelligence, the command said, revealed that Timothy’s sister, 16-year-old Esther Aransiola, was harbouring him and helping him evade arrest. She was taken into custody on May 1, 2026, for allegedly aiding and abetting the suspect with intent to obstruct lawful arrest.
The police stressed that Esther’s statement was taken “in line with established procedures,” adding that she was duly cautioned and later released to her guardian on bond. “She was not detained unlawfully, contrary to claims in the viral video,” the statement read.
The command reiterated that efforts are ongoing to apprehend the fleeing suspect and bring him to justice. It urged members of the public to disregard unverified content circulating online that could incite tension in the community.
Residents had earlier protested outside the station, with clips posted by TikTok user oba_adebayo_13 amplifying claims of a “proxy arrest.” The videos showed a tense crowd demanding the girl’s release, fuelling debate over police conduct and juvenile rights.
The Kwara Police Command reaffirmed its commitment to upholding the rule of law, protecting citizens’ rights, and maintaining transparency in its operations. It cautioned against spreading unconfirmed reports, saying such actions undermine security efforts and public trust.
