Three persons have been remanded by an Osun State court over the alleged diversion and illegal sale of government-owned mosquito nets earmarked for free distribution under a public health intervention programme.
The suspects were arraigned following an investigation by the Osun State Police Command into the alleged diversion of the mosquito nets meant for beneficiaries across the state.
According to a statement issued on Tuesday by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Abiodun Ojelabi, the case was uncovered on June 9, 2026, after the Command received credible intelligence regarding the unlawful sale of government property.
The suspects were identified as Rabbi Bennett, a native of Delta State and a staff member attached to the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) in Ife North Local Government Area, Ipetumodu; Opeyemi Ajibola, an commercial motorcycle rider residing on Ayetoro Street, Ipetumodu; and Aminu Ibrahim.
Police investigations revealed that Bennett and Ajibola allegedly became involved in a dispute over the proceeds from the sale of the mosquito nets, prompting further scrutiny by investigators.
According to the police, further investigation established that the trio allegedly sold six bundles containing a total of 300 mosquito nets on June 8, 2026. The mosquito nets were reportedly designated for free distribution to members of the public as part of a government-backed health intervention programme aimed at combating malaria.
The suspects were subsequently arrested and taken into custody, where they allegedly confessed to their respective roles during interrogation.
The Police Command disclosed that the matter has since been charged before a competent court, which ordered that the three defendants be remanded at the Correctional Centre pending further judicial proceedings.
Reaffirming its commitment to safeguarding public resources, the Osun State Police Command warned that anyone found diverting or exploiting government welfare materials for personal gain would face the full weight of the law.
The Command also stressed that while the suspects have been charged to court, the allegations against them remain subject to judicial determination, and they are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty by a court of competent jurisdiction.
