The Osun State Police Command has confirmed the arrest of the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Teslim Igbalaye, and five others over the alleged recovery of electoral materials and ₦4.8 million in cash from a property linked to the senior government official in Osogbo.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, the Police Public Relations Officer, Abiodun Ojelabi, said the operation followed credible intelligence that suspected criminals were hiding around the Oroki Estate area of Osogbo.
According to the police, operatives raided a residential property linked to the SSG, where they also apprehended Abiodun Arowomole, popularly known as “Ashipa,” a suspect said to have been on the police watchlist over alleged offences, including murder.
During the operation, police said they recovered ₦4,810,500 in cash, one Dynabook laptop, a photocopy machine, a printer, two Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) and a voter register covering Wards 1 to 15.
The command said all recovered items had been taken into police custody for forensic examination and further investigation.
The police also confirmed the arrest of six suspects: Teslim Igbalaye, Akande Taiwo, Oladele Abiodun, Adeyemo Lukman, Olaoye Muftau and Aderemi Musliu.
According to Ojelabi, the recovery of the cash and electoral materials has raised concerns over possible electoral offences and other criminal activities.
He said investigators were examining allegations of vote-buying under Section 121 of the Electoral Act, 2022, criminal conspiracy, harbouring a wanted suspect and any other offences that may emerge during the investigation.
“While investigations are still ongoing, the facts presently available disclose reasonable grounds to investigate possible offences, including bribery of voters, criminal conspiracy, harbouring a wanted criminal and any other offences that may be established at the conclusion of the investigation,” he said.
Describing the allegations as serious, Ojelabi said investigators were working to identify everyone connected to the recovered items, determine the source and intended use of the money, and establish the full extent of any criminal activity.
He assured residents that the police would carry out their constitutional responsibilities without fear or favour.
“No individual, irrespective of social status, political affiliation or public office, is above the law. Anyone found culpable at the conclusion of investigations will be prosecuted in accordance with the law,” he said.
The police also appealed to residents to remain calm, obey the law and continue providing credible information to support peaceful, free and credible elections.
Osun Government Cries Foul Over Police Operation
Reacting to the development, the Osun State Government condemned the police operation, describing it as an unlawful invasion of the homes of senior government officials.
The Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Kolapo Alimi, alleged that police operatives led by the Deputy Commissioner of Police (Operations) invaded the residences of the SSG and six commissioners without valid search warrants.
Alimi described the operation as a “gestapo-style” action and claimed ward officials were holding a meeting at the SSG’s residence when the police arrived, while Igbalaye was attending an Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) stakeholders’ forum.
He also alleged that officers raided the residence of the Commissioner for Energy in Ikire, damaged property and carried out surveillance on the homes of other commissioners.
The commissioner further claimed that several Accord Party members were being detained at the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) without being granted bail.
Describing the police action as an attack on the Osun State Government and a threat to democracy, Alimi accused the state police command of acting in a partisan manner in favour of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
He appealed to President Bola Tinubu, the Inspector-General of Police and traditional rulers in the state to intervene.
“This must be stopped before it escalates into a general breakdown of law and order,” Alimi said.
The incident comes amid heightened political tension ahead of the August 15 Osun State governorship election, with supporters of Governor Ademola Adeleke and the opposition APC trading accusations in recent weeks.
