The Osun State Police Command has arrested and detained the Secretary to the State Government, Teslim Igbalaye, along with five other persons following a raid on his residence in Osogbo.
Police Public Relations Officer, Abiodun Ojelabi, said the operation was carried out based on credible intelligence indicating that members of a criminal gang were hiding at the residence. He disclosed that one of those arrested, Oladele Abiodun, was already on the police watchlist over alleged criminal offences.
According to the police, others arrested during the operation are Akande Taiwo, Adeyemo Lukman, Olaoye Muftau and Aderemi Musliu.
The command said officers recovered ₦4,810,500 in cash, two Permanent Voter Cards, a voter register covering Wards 1 to 15, a Dynabook laptop, a photocopier and a printer. The exhibits have been taken into police custody for forensic examination.
Police investigators are probing alleged vote-buying under Section 121 of the Electoral Act 2022, criminal conspiracy, harbouring a wanted suspect and any other offences that may be uncovered during the investigation.
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The command said efforts are also underway to determine the source and intended use of the recovered cash, identify all persons connected to the exhibits and establish whether a wider criminal network is involved.
The police reiterated that no individual, regardless of political status or public office, is above the law and assured that anyone found culpable would be prosecuted in accordance with the law.
Before the police explained the reasons for the operation, the Osun State Government condemned the raid, alleging that officers invaded the SSG’s residence without presenting a search warrant.
In a statement issued by the Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Kolapo Alimi, the government described the operation as unlawful and questioned the conduct of the officers.
The development comes shortly after Inspector-General of Police Olatunji Disu visited Osun State to assess the security situation and reassure residents of the Nigeria Police Force’s commitment to maintaining law and order.
During the visit, the IGP emphasized intelligence-led policing, professionalism and the need for officers to act impartially, particularly as political activities intensify in the state. The latest arrests are therefore expected to attract significant public and political attention as investigations continue.
Crediblenewsng.com
