SWAT Officers Under Fire: Alleged Theft, Violence, And Community Backlash In Ondo State

CCTV Footage Captures SWAT Officers Taking Phones from a Shop in Ondo State

On March 22, 2025, something alarming unfolded in Idogun, Ose Local Government Area, Ondo State, where SWAT officers were caught on CCTV footage taking mobile phones from a shop. According to reports from SaharaReporters, this incident has added fuel to an already tense situation in the community.

Let me break it down for you. The shop in question belongs to Seketi Adebowale, who runs a barbershop equipped with a state-of-the-art solar energy system valued at 6 million naira. Beyond just haircuts, the shop serves as a charging station for mobile phones and power banks. Adebowale claims that SWAT officers entered his shop without permission and walked off with several phones that were left there for charging.

Here's what Adebowale had to say: "In each of the videos, a policeman walks in and takes phones from where they were being charged. I received a mobile alert about intruders and checked the footage, which revealed that the individuals were from SWAT Akure. Expecting them to tamper with the camera, I quickly removed it for safekeeping."

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Background: Conflict Between Navy Captain and Local Monarch

This incident didn't happen in isolation. There's a broader conflict brewing in the area involving Navy Captain Jide Falade and the local monarch. The king accused Falade of armed robbery and kidnapping, leading to his arrest on March 21. The case was initially set for hearing on March 22, but it was postponed. Meanwhile, tensions escalated as Falade's supporters gathered to protest against his detention.

SWAT officers, allegedly acting on the king's orders, arrested several demonstrators and took Falade into custody at Olokuta Prison. As the protests turned violent, police used tear gas and live ammunition to disperse the crowd. In retaliation, the protesters threw stones, forcing the police to retreat and even abandon a gun, which was later returned.

Adebowale recounted the chaos: "The protesters retaliated by throwing stones, forcing the police to retreat and abandon a gun, which was later returned by the protesters."

Aftermath: Destruction and Alleged Brutality

Following the unrest, the king reportedly led SWAT officers to specific homes and shops in the community, which were then destroyed. Adebowale's shop was one of the targets. He described the ordeal: "Early Saturday morning, my shop was targeted despite the presence of CCTV footage that captured the culprits. The police further assaulted residents, including men, women, and children, and even killed animals."

SaharaReporters obtained a video clip showing a woman and a boy with injuries allegedly inflicted by the police. The boy claimed he was beaten with sticks, while the woman said the officers threatened to kill her. She recounted her harrowing experience: "They kicked the door open and came in. They cut my son with a cutlass and used the blunt part to beat me. One of them threatened to slash my head. I told him to go ahead and kill me. He said he would kill me, but one of them stopped him."

Images shared by the community depict a man with a severe head injury and another individual with a bleeding leg. Adebowale has called for an inquiry into the conduct of the SWAT officers, seeking justice for those affected.

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Upcoming Court Session and SWAT's Troubled History

The next court session for Captain Falade is scheduled for March 28. This incident has once again brought attention to the conduct of SWAT officers. It's worth noting that SWAT was formed in October 2020 to replace the disbanded Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS), which was dissolved after widespread protests over allegations of human rights violations and misconduct.

As the situation unfolds, the community awaits answers and accountability. This story serves as a reminder of the importance of transparency and justice in law enforcement.

Watch the video clip below for more details: