Popular broadcaster and Accord Party governorship candidate in Oyo State, Oriyomi Hamzat, has denied any involvement with a police wanted suspect, Surajudeen Babatunde, popularly known as “Surii Ilupeju,” describing attempts to link him to the suspect as a malicious smear campaign.
Hamzat made the clarification in a statement issued on Sunday in response to a publication circulating on social media alleging an association between him and the suspect.
He said the publication was aimed at tarnishing his reputation and creating a false narrative around his political aspiration ahead of the 2027 governorship election in Oyo State.
“My attention has been drawn to a malicious and mischievous publication circulating on social media seeking to drag my name into a criminal matter involving an individual identified as Surajudeen Adio Babatunde, popularly known as ‘Surii Ilupeju.
“Ordinarily, I would not dignify such desperate propaganda with a response. However, because of the potential for misinformation and the need to set the records straight, it has become necessary to address the falsehoods being peddled by those determined to tarnish my hard-earned reputation,’” Hamzat said.
The broadcaster stated that he had never sponsored, encouraged, shielded or supported anyone involved in criminal activities.
“Let me state categorically that I have never, at any time, sponsored, encouraged, shielded, or supported any individual involved in criminal activities.
“Throughout my public life as a broadcaster, humanitarian, and now gubernatorial candidate of the Accord, I have consistently stood on the side of justice, truth, and the rule of law,” he said.
The controversy stems from a recent police operation. On June 12, 2026, operatives of the Oyo State Police Command raided a residence in the Gbeku area of Olodo, Ibadan, targeting Ilupeju’s home based on intelligence linking the location to criminal activities.
During the raid, authorities arrested five suspected armed robbers and recovered firearms, ammunition, and suspected criminal charms.
The suspects were identified as Ahmed Nafiu (43), Olukunmi Olaniyi (36), Femi Odeyinde (53), Jelili Akinade (50), and Muhideen Adio (27).
Social media users subsequently reportedly circulated claims portraying Ilupeju as Hamzat’s associate, prompting the broadcaster’s response.
While PUNCH Online could not independently confirm such an association, the governorship candidate argued that having an employment, social or personal relationship with an individual does not imply knowledge of, or involvement in, the person’s alleged criminal activities.
“The attempt to suggest that I bear responsibility for the personal actions or alleged criminal conduct of any individual simply because such a person may have had an association with me is 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,” he added.
He urged the public to allow security agencies to carry out their investigations without dragging innocent persons into criminal matters for political or personal reasons.
According to him, the Nigeria Police Force remains the appropriate institution to investigate criminal allegations and determine culpability.
Hamzat also expressed willingness to cooperate with law enforcement agencies if required.
“I have always maintained a cordial and cooperative relationship with security agencies. Should the police require any lawful assistance from me regarding any investigation, I will not hesitate to cooperate fully, as I have done on numerous occasions in the interest of public safety and justice,” he said.
The Accord Party candidate accused the authors of the publication of engaging in character assassination for political gain.
“Their intention is obvious: to score cheap political points by creating a false narrative around my person and my aspiration to serve the good people of Oyo State,” he said.
The broadcaster called on residents of the state to disregard the allegations and insisted that he remained committed to pursuing his political ambition and public service goals.
“No amount of blackmail, false accusations, or coordinated smear campaigns will distract me from my commitment to the welfare, security, and progress of our dear state,” he said.
Hamzat added that he would continue to uphold the values of integrity, accountability and service, which he said had defined his career and public life.
The development comes amid heightened political activities in Oyo State as various parties gear up for the 2027 elections.
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