Security operatives in Osun State, with the support of community volunteers and religious groups, have intensified a manhunt for two suspects identified as Aremu Busari and Ganiyu Adekunle Muideen, who reportedly escaped from police custody after being arrested during a private party in the state.
According to sources, police acted on intelligence reports and raided a hotel in Osun on Sunday, May 7, 2023, where 12 suspected LGBTQ members were allegedly gathered for a secret party.
The suspects were said to have been taken to the Ataoja Police Division after the operation and were scheduled to be arraigned in court the following day, Monday, May 8, 2023.
However, before the planned arraignment, two of the detainees identified as Busari Aremu and Ganiyu Adekunle Muideen reportedly escaped from custody under unclear circumstances.
Sources alleged that the disappearance of the two suspects raised concerns within the police command, prompting an internal search and wider investigation into how they managed to flee.
Following intelligence tracking, operatives reportedly traced Muideen to his residence and carried out a ransack of the property.
During the raid, his wife and children were said to have denied knowledge of his whereabouts.
Residents said community members have since joined efforts to locate the escapees, while posters carrying their photographs and details have been placed at strategic locations across the state.
A reward was also said to have been announced for anyone with credible information that could lead to the arrest of the two fugitives.