The Osun State Police Command has arrested and detained the Secretary to the Osun State Government (SSG), Teslim Igbalaye, along with five other suspects following a raid on his residence in Osogbo, where officers recovered ₦4.81 million, voter registration materials and other items allegedly linked to ongoing investigations.
The police said the operation, carried out on Wednesday, was based on intelligence indicating that members of a criminal gang were hiding at the SSG’s residence.
According to the Osun State Police Command’s Public Relations Officer, Abiodun Ojelabi, one of those arrested at the residence was Oladele Abiodun, who was described as a suspect on the police watchlist over alleged criminal offences.
Others arrested alongside Igbalaye were identified as Akande Taiwo, 60; Oladele Abiodun, 38; Adeyemo Lukman, 45; Olaoye Muftau, 50; and Aderemi Musliu, 40.
The police said the raid led to the recovery of a cash sum of ₦4,810,500, two Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), a voter register covering Wards 1 to 15, a Dynabook laptop, a photocopying machine and a printer.
Giving details of the operation, Ojelabi said: “The operation also led to the arrest of the following suspects: Hon Igbalaye Teslim ‘m’ 47years, One Akande Taiwo ‘m’ 60years, Oladele Abiodun ‘m’ 38years, Adeyemo Lukman ‘m’ 45years, Olaoye Muftau ‘m’ 50years, Aderemi Musliu ‘m’ 40years.
“During the operation, officers recovered exhibits comprising cash sum of four million eight hundred and ten thousand, five hundred naira (N4,810,500), one Dynabook laptop, one photocopy machine, one printer, two Voter’s Cards and a voter register for Wards 1-15.
“These exhibits have been secured and are currently in police custody for detailed forensic examination and further investigation.
“The recovery of the cash and the register containing voters’ details raises serious concerns regarding possible electoral offences and other criminal activities.
“While investigations are still ongoing, the facts presently available disclose reasonable grounds to investigate the commission of offences, which may include: “Bribery of voters (vote-buying), contrary to Section 121 of the Electoral Act, 2022, arising from the alleged distribution of money or other inducements to registered voters for the purpose of influencing their voting decisions.
“Criminal conspiracy, where two or more persons are found to have agreed to commit an unlawful act.
“Harbouring or concealing a wanted criminal, where any individual is found to have knowingly sheltered or assisted a fugitive from justice.
“Any other offences that may be disclosed upon the conclusion of the ongoing investigation.”
The command said the allegations have serious implications for public security, the administration of justice and the integrity of the electoral process.
It added that investigators were working to identify all individuals connected with the recovered items, establish the source and intended use of the cash, and determine the full extent of any criminal enterprise.
The police stressed that no individual, regardless of status, political affiliation or public office, is above the law, assuring that anyone found culpable at the end of the investigation would be prosecuted in accordance with the Constitution.
The command also appealed to residents to remain calm, law-abiding and continue to provide credible information that would assist security agencies in preventing crime and ensuring peaceful, free, fair and credible elections.
However, the Osun State Government has condemned the operation, accusing the police of unlawfully invading the residence of the SSG without obtaining a search warrant.
In a statement signed by the Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Kolapo Alimi, the state government alleged that the officers stormed the residence without due process and arrested those found on the premises.
Alimi further claimed that the operation was carried out by a combined team of police officers led by the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of Operations.
The state government has yet to provide further details on the identities of those arrested or indicate whether it intends to challenge the police action in court.
