By George Ozalla
The Osun State Police Command has arrested and detained the Secretary to the Osun State Government (SSG), Teslim Igbalaye, alongside five other persons, following a raid on his residence in Osogbo over alleged electoral and other criminal offences.
The command said one of those arrested at the residence, Oladele Abiodun, was a suspect already on its watchlist in connection with alleged criminal activities.
Confirming the development in a statement on Wednesday, the Police Public Relations Officer, Abiodun Ojelabi, said the operation was carried out based on credible intelligence that members of a criminal gang were hiding at a location in Osogbo.
According to him, the police team lawfully raided the premises and arrested Igbalaye, 47; Akande Taiwo, 60; Oladele Abiodun, 38; Adeyemo Lukman, 45; Olaoye Muftau, 50; and Aderemi Musliu, 40.
The police also recovered exhibits including N4,810,500 in cash, one Dynabook laptop, a photocopy machine, one printer, two Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), and a voter register covering Wards 1 to 15.
Ojelabi said all recovered items had been secured and placed in police custody for forensic examination and further investigation.
He stated that the recovery of the cash and voter register raised serious concerns over possible electoral offences and other criminal activities.
According to the police spokesperson, preliminary findings provide reasonable grounds to investigate possible offences, including voter bribery contrary to Section 121 of the Electoral Act 2022, criminal conspiracy, harbouring or concealing a wanted suspect, as well as any other offences that may emerge during the investigation.
“The recovery of the cash and the register containing voters’ details raises serious concerns regarding possible electoral offences and other criminal activities,” the statement said.
The command added that investigations had been intensified to identify all persons connected with the recovered exhibits, determine the source and intended use of the money, and establish the full extent of any alleged criminal enterprise.
It stressed that the allegations have far-reaching implications for public security, the administration of justice and the credibility of the democratic process.
The police maintained that no individual, irrespective of political affiliation, public office or social status, 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 electoral processes.
Meanwhile, the Osun State Government has condemned the police operation, alleging that officers invaded 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 accused a combined team of police officers led by the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of Operations of forcibly entering Igbalaye’s residence.
Alimi further alleged that everyone found within the premises was arrested during the operation, describing the action as unlawful due to the absence of a search warrant.
The police, however, have insisted that the operation was intelligence-driven and conducted in accordance with the law, while investigations into the matter continue.
