The Osun State Police Command has confirmed the arrest of the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Teslim Igbalaye, alongside five other individuals following a security operation at a property linked to the senior government official in Osogbo.
According to the command, the operation was carried out after intelligence reports suggested that suspected members of a criminal gang were hiding in the Oroki Estate area of the state capital.
In a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Abiodun Ojelabi, the police disclosed that one of those arrested was Oladele Abiodun, popularly known as “Ashipa,” who had been on the command’s wanted list over alleged involvement in serious crimes, including murder.
Those arrested were identified as Hon. Teslim Igbalaye, 47; Akande Taiwo, 60; Oladele Abiodun, 38; Adeyemo Lukman, 45; Olaoye Muftau, 50; and Aderemi Musliu, 40.
The police also revealed that officers recovered ₦4,810,500 in cash, a Dynabook laptop, a photocopy machine, a printer, two voter cards and a voter register covering Wards 1 to 15 during the operation.
According to the command, all recovered items have been taken into custody for forensic analysis as investigations continue.
“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 statement said.
The command noted that the discovery of the cash and voter register had raised concerns over possible electoral offences and other criminal activities.
Police said preliminary findings provide reasonable grounds to investigate allegations including vote-buying under Section 121 of the Electoral Act, 2022, criminal conspiracy, harbouring or concealing a wanted suspect, as well as any other offences that may be uncovered 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.
“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 police stated.
The police emphasised that the allegations under investigation could have far-reaching implications for public safety, the administration of justice and the credibility of the electoral process.
Investigators, the command said, are working to determine the source and intended use of the recovered money, establish ownership of the seized items and identify every individual connected with the case.
The command reaffirmed that no individual is above the law, irrespective of political affiliation or public office, assuring that anyone found culpable would be prosecuted in accordance with the law.
It also urged residents to remain peaceful, law-abiding and continue supporting security agencies with credible information to aid crime prevention and protect the integrity of the forthcoming governorship election.
Accord Party Alleges Intimidation
Meanwhile, the Accord Party has criticised the arrests, describing them as acts of intimidation and unlawful detention ahead of the August 15 governorship election in Osun State.
Speaking with journalists in Abuja, the spokesperson for the Imole Campaign Council, Pelumi Olajengbesi, called for the immediate redeployment of the Osun State Commissioner of Police, accusing him of orchestrating what he described as the unlawful arrest and detention of party members across the state.
Olajengbesi claimed that 86 people, including party candidates and government officials, had been arrested.
“In the last two, three days, over 86 members of the Accord Party have been arrested for no reason. These people were arrested and brought by road to Abuja and are being detained here unnecessarily,” he said.
“We have met with the leadership of the police and they cannot provide any explanation to us. There is no petition against them. These people have committed no offence. The Commissioner of Police in Osun State is completely compromised.”
He argued that the development could undermine public confidence in the electoral process and stressed the need for a free, fair and transparent election.
“There is a need for us to have a free, impartial election, an election where people can freely express their will. Just now I have been informed the SSG of Osun State has been arrested for no reason because he was sensitising his people about the election,” he added.
The police, however, insisted that the operation was intelligence-driven and conducted in line with their constitutional mandate to investigate alleged criminal activities without fear or favour.
