An Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) student journalist, Abdulfattah Robiu, has alleged that he was assaulted on Wednesday afternoon by supporters of Osun State APC governorship hopeful, Asiwaju Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji, popularly known as AMBO.
The incident occurred around Orona Street, near AP Junction, according to Robiu. He said the confrontation started while he was transferring a file from a friend’s phone and asked about the device’s camera quality.
In a statement to our correspondent, Robiu said a woman nearby overheard the question and accused him of photographing her. He denied the allegation and explained he was only referring to the phone’s camera in relation to the file transfer.
He alleged that the woman persisted, and another woman later joined her. The situation escalated when individuals wearing AMBO campaign caps intervened, he claimed, without seeking clarification.
Robiu alleged that some of the individuals used wooden planks and stones to assault him, and that one of the women bit him during the altercation. He said his phone was seized and checked for photos, and that the search showed no image of the woman had been taken.
According to him, the harassment continued. He said his phone was damaged, his shirt was torn, and he sustained injuries. He also alleged that one of the women held his belt and called street youths to the scene, and that he was asked to swear by Ogun to prove his innocence.
The student said he told those involved that he was not involved in politics and did not have a voter’s card, but that the questioning continued. He added that shop owners in the area later intervened.
Robiu further alleged that colleagues who tried to intervene were also attacked, with one reportedly slapped and another struck with a stone. He said his phone was later returned but that he continued to receive threats.
He reported the matter at Oke Otubu Police Station and made an official statement. Police officers later visited the scene but did not meet the accused women. A relative reportedly told police the women had gone for political activities.
Robiu said he returned to the station where officers documented evidence, including the damaged phone, torn shirt, and injuries. Police assured him the matter would be investigated.
Confirming the incident, the newly elected OAU Students’ Union Public Relations Officer, Kujembola Olalekan Sunday, said the union was aware and had condemned the attack.
“We are aware of the situation. We are taking adequate steps. We strongly condemn it. We will follow him to the police station as soon as possible,” he Said
Efforts to get a response from the AMBO campaign organization were ongoing at press time.
