Oriyomi Hamzat Denies Links to Wanted Suspect, Alleges Smear Campaign

Oyo State governorship candidate of the Accord party, Oriyomi Hamzat, has denied any connection to the alleged criminal activities of a wanted suspect, Surajudeen Adio Babatunde, popularly known as “Surii Ilupeju,” describing attempts to link him to the matter as a malicious smear campaign.

Hamzat, in a statement obtained by OYO NEWS on Sunday, reacted to a social media publication that sought to associate him with the suspect, insisting that he has never sponsored, encouraged, shielded, or supported any individual involved in criminal activities.

The broadcaster and humanitarian said the publication was designed to misinform the public and damage his reputation, stressing that his public life has always been guided by justice, truth and the rule of law.

According to him, suggestions that he should be held responsible for the personal actions or alleged criminal conduct of an individual merely because of an association are both illogical and dishonest.

“Employment, acquaintance, or social interaction with a person does not confer knowledge of, or complicity in, every aspect of that person’s private life,” Hamzat stated.

He emphasized that the Nigeria Police Force remains a professional institution with established procedures for investigating criminal allegations and urged the public to allow security agencies to carry out their duties without dragging innocent persons into criminal matters for political or personal reasons.

The Accord governorship candidate also reaffirmed his willingness to cooperate with law enforcement agencies if required, noting that he has always maintained a cordial relationship with security authorities.

Hamzat accused the authors of the publication of engaging in character assassination and attempting to score political points by creating what he described as a false narrative around his person and political ambition.

He called on members of the public to disregard the allegations, describing them as a baseless case of guilt by association.

“No amount of blackmail, false accusations, or coordinated smear campaigns will distract me from my commitment to the welfare, security, and progress of Oyo State,” he said.

Hamzat added that he remains focused on his aspiration to govern Oyo State and pledged to continue upholding the values of integrity, accountability and service to humanity.