The Nigerian Navy officer who ordered the arrest of All Progressives Congress (APC) House of Assembly candidate Babatunde Komolafe Festus in Osun State has reportedly been redeployed, while the politician has been released.

Komolafe, the APC candidate for Atakumosa East/West State Constituency, was arrested in Ifewara, Osun State, on Thursday after Navy personnel allegedly found a firearm in a campaign vehicle in which he was travelling with other supporters.

Sources said the naval commander who directed the arrest was redeployed shortly after reports of the incident went viral and triggered public criticism.

“The Naval Commander who arrested Komolafe and the other suspects has been redeployed,” a source said.

Another source alleged that the officer was removed after the arrest attracted attention from senior authorities.

Komolafe was also reportedly released following instructions from senior officials.

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

The circumstances surrounding his release and the reported redeployment of the naval commander remain unclear. The Nigerian Navy had not issued an official statement explaining either development as of the time of publication.

The arrest reportedly followed a routine search by Navy personnel in Ifewara. Sources alleged that a firearm was discovered during the operation, leading to the detention of Komolafe and other occupants of the APC campaign vehicle.

A video obtained by SaharaReporters showed Navy personnel with the detained suspects following the incident.

The development occurred two days before the Osun State governorship election scheduled for Saturday, August 15, 2026, as political tensions rise across the state.

The reported arrest and subsequent release have raised questions about the handling of alleged firearm-related offences involving political actors and the circumstances surrounding the redeployment of the naval officer who ordered the arrest.

No official explanation has been provided by the Navy or other relevant authorities regarding the case.