The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has given the Nigeria Police Force 24 hours to either release Comrade Alalade Bukola Felix, popularly known as “Machiavelli,” or arraign him before a competent court over allegations linked to a political incident in Osun State.
NANS made the demand after its representatives visited the Osun State Police Command in Osogbo to seek clarification on the circumstances surrounding the student leader’s arrest and continued detention.
The association said it was particularly concerned about the alleged manner of Machiavelli’s arrest and the failure, according to its account, to provide his family with clear information about his whereabouts immediately after he was taken away.
The position was contained in a statement jointly signed by the NANS Southwest Coordinator, Comrade Adeyemo Josiah, and the association’s Public Relations Officer, Comrade Olugbemi Timothy.
According to NANS, Machiavelli’s wife told its delegation that police operatives arrived at their residence at about 1am, allegedly forced their way into the house and took him away.
The student body said further inquiries indicated that Machiavelli was initially taken to the Area Command in Ilesa before being transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) in Osogbo.
NANS questions evidence against Machiavelli
NANS said the police linked Machiavelli to an alleged violent incident that occurred during a political procession and reportedly informed the association that video evidence was available to support the allegation.
However, the student organisation said it expected the police to present any available evidence before a competent court instead of allowing the allegation to become a basis for prolonged detention.
NANS maintained that it was not opposed to a legitimate criminal investigation and would not seek to prevent the police from carrying out their statutory responsibilities.
The association, however, stressed that an allegation does not amount to a conviction and that suspects are entitled to due process under the law.
It called on the police to either commence formal legal proceedings against Machiavelli or release him if there are insufficient grounds to justify his continued detention.
NANS calls for police professionalism
The student body also appealed to the Inspector-General of Police to urgently intervene in the matter and ensure that officers handling the case operate within the law.
NANS urged the Osun State Commissioner of Police and senior officers responsible for election security to demonstrate neutrality and professionalism, particularly because of the politically sensitive atmosphere in the state.
The association warned that the manner in which security agencies handle politically related cases could influence public confidence in their neutrality.
According to NANS, security institutions must ensure that political disagreements do not interfere with the application of the law.
The organisation further noted that it has maintained a relationship with the police through the Police Campaign Against Cultism and Other Vices (POCACOV), particularly in campaigns against electoral violence and social vices.
NANS said continued cooperation between students and security agencies would depend on transparency, fairness, professionalism and mutual trust.
Why NANS is intervening
The association clarified that its intervention was not connected to Machiavelli’s employment, political affiliation or any alleged relationship with government officials.
NANS described him as a former NANS JCC Osun Public Relations Officer, former Convention Planning Committee Chairman, an alumnus of the University of Ilesa and an active participant in student affairs.
The association stressed that while his background within NANS informed its decision to monitor the matter, it was not asking the police to treat him as being above the law.
Rather, it wants the same constitutional protections available to every Nigerian to be applied to him.
NANS said it would not defend anyone found guilty of an offence, but insisted that guilt should be determined through the judicial process rather than by prolonged detention based solely on allegations.
24-Hour deadline issued
NANS subsequently gave the police 24 hours to take a clear legal position on the matter.
The association said Machiavelli should either be brought before a competent court, where the allegations and available evidence can be tested, or released in accordance with the law.
It warned that continued detention without lawful judicial intervention could prompt the association to consult its structures and consider peaceful and lawful mass action.
NANS emphasised that any protest or mobilisation would be aimed at demanding respect for due process and fundamental rights, rather than interfering with legitimate police investigations.
The association said it would continue to support lawful efforts to maintain peace and security but would resist any situation in which political tension is used as a justification for disregarding the rights of citizens.
NANS: Investigate, prosecute if there is evidence
The student organisation reiterated that its position was straightforward: the police should investigate if there is reasonable suspicion, prosecute if credible evidence exists and allow the judiciary to determine guilt.
It said the credibility of the security agencies, particularly ahead of a sensitive electoral period in Osun State, would depend on whether their actions match their assurances of neutrality.
NANS therefore urged the police authorities to resolve the matter through lawful means and ensure that the rights of the detained student leader are protected throughout the investigation and any subsequent court proceedings.
The association maintained that effective law enforcement must be accompanied by respect for due process, transparency and accountability.
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