The Nigerian Navy Commander who ordered the arrest of the All Progressives Congress (APC) House of Assembly candidate for Atakumosa East/West Local Government Area of Osun State, Hon. Babatunde Komolafe Festus, over alleged possession of a firearm has reportedly been redeployed.

This followed what sources described as “orders from above” shortly after news of the arrest went viral and generated public attention.

Komolafe, who was arrested alongside other persons after a gun was allegedly found during a search of their vehicle, has also been released.

“The Naval Commander who arrested Komolafe and the other suspects has been redeployed,” one of the sources was quoted as saying.

Another source alleged that senior authorities became concerned after the arrest attracted widespread attention, resulting in the redeployment of the officer who ordered it.

“When the news went viral, those from above became agitated and the Commander who had the effrontery to order such arrest was made a scapegoat,” the source claimed.

Komolafe was reportedly released following directives from senior authorities.

“They have freed the House of Assembly Candidate Komolafe based on orders from those high up,” another source said.

The alleged release and redeployment came shortly after the APC candidate was apprehended by Nigerian Navy personnel in his hometown, Ifewara, Osun State, on Thursday.

Komolafe was said to have been travelling in an APC campaign vehicle alongside other supporters when Navy personnel conducted a routine search that allegedly led to the discovery of a firearm.

“He was arrested today after a routine search by Navy officials exposed him and other supporters with a gun,” a source had disclosed.

The source further alleged that the suspects were travelling in the campaign vehicle of APC governorship candidate, Bola Oyebamiji, when they were stopped.

The circumstances surrounding the alleged firearm possession, however, remain unclear, as there was no immediate official statement from the Nigerian Navy confirming the arrest, the reported redeployment of the Commander or the circumstances of Komolafe’s release.

The development comes less than 48 hours before the Osun State governorship election scheduled for Saturday, August 15, 2026, amid heightened political tension and concerns over alleged threats and inflammatory statements by political actors.

As of the time of filing this report, neither the Nigerian Navy nor the APC had publicly provided an official account of the incident.