In a shocking turn of events, a heated football match between officers of the Nigeria Police Force and the South-West Security Outfits, known as the Amotekun corps, descended into chaos in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital. The clash erupted after a controversial decision by the center referee, Ayo Amos, during the Ogun State Sports Writer Association of Nigeria football competition.
The center referee handed red cards to players from both the police and Amotekun teams for on-field misconduct. However, this decision did not sit well with one of the Amotekun players, who subsequently invaded the pitch and attacked a police player, resulting in injuries.
An anonymous eyewitness explained that tensions escalated in the 65th minute when Amos issued a red card to Amotekun defender Akinloye Babatunde for violent conduct against police player Odukoya Olanrewaju. In retaliation, Olanrewaju was also sent off the field. Akinloye Babatunde, after receiving the red card, reentered the pitch and physically assaulted Constable Adesina James, one of the police players.
The situation deteriorated as spectators rushed onto the pitch to rescue the police officer from the Amotekun’s mob attack. To make matters worse, Amotekun defender Tejuoso Segun retrieved a charm and a broken bottle to attack Inspector Ogunremi Oluwafemi, inflicting a deep cut injury on his lower jaw.
Michael-Azeez Ogunsiji, Chairman of Ogun SWAN (Sports Writer Association of Nigeria), strongly condemned the actions of the Amotekun Corps. He highlighted that the competition aimed to promote good conduct and foster positive relationships among security agencies in the state. He emphasized that trained security personnel should display self-restraint and professionalism and should not resort to aggression.
Ogunsiji also made it clear that SWAN would take action against agencies that disrupt the competition, stressing that such behavior would not be tolerated.
The Public Relations Officer of the Amotekun Corps, Abayomi Osonaike, stated that he was not present at the venue and could not provide further details on the incident.
Efforts to obtain a response from the Ogun State Police spokesperson, Omolola Odutola, were unsuccessful as she did not respond to messages or calls at the time of this report.