The officers had travelled from Kwara State to Ibadan with an arrest warrant issued by the Upper Ilorin Magistrates’ Court over allegations of conduct likely to cause a breach of public peace.
The development came to public attention on Tuesday after videos showing armed men dressed in civilian clothes at Tani Olohun’s residence circulated on social media.
Oyo State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Ayanlade Olayinka, said the visiting officers were acting on a valid court warrant linked to allegations that Tani Olohun failed to comply with conditions attached to an earlier bail.
However, after being informed of the situation, the Oyo State Commissioner of Police directed the Kwara officers to return to their command.
The Oyo police also advised the complainant to approach the appropriate court in Ibadan, where the alleged offence was reportedly committed, citing the principle of territorial jurisdiction.
The attempted arrest is connected to an ongoing case involving Tani Olohun and the Ilorin Heritage Preservation Foundation.
The foundation reportedly accused him of posting a social media video that allegedly mocked an Islamic prayer and contained content capable of creating religious tension.
The case was filed under Sections 114, 210 and 393(1) of the Kwara State Penal Code Law and is pending before the Upper Area Court II in Ilorin.
At the last hearing, neither Tani Olohun nor his lawyer appeared in court, prompting the judge to adjourn the matter until September 1, 2026.
The latest development has drawn attention to the issue of jurisdiction in the enforcement of court processes, particularly where an alleged offence is said to have occurred in another state.
The Oyo Police Command urged residents to remain calm and law-abiding, assuring the public that it would continue to handle complaints in accordance with the law.
Tani Olohun is a prominent advocate of Isese, the indigenous Yoruba spiritual and cultural tradition, and has been involved in public discussions surrounding traditional religion, cultural preservation and religious freedom.
