The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) Osun State Command has arrested the Secretary to the Osun State Government, Teslim Igbalaye, and five others over alleged vote buying and possession of electoral materials.
According to a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, Abiodun Ojelabi, the suspects were arrested during a lawful raid on Igbalaye’s residence in Osogbo on Wednesday, following intelligence that members of a criminal gang were hiding at the location.
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 officers recovered N4,810,500 in cash, two Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), a voter register for Wards 1–15, one Dynabook laptop, one photocopier and one printer during the operation.
According to the command, the recovered items have been secured for forensic examination and further investigation.
The police stated that the recovery of the cash and voter register raises concerns over possible electoral offences and other criminal activities.
It said ongoing investigations are focused on alleged offences including voter bribery in violation of Section 121 of the Electoral Act, 2022, criminal conspiracy, harbouring or concealing a wanted criminal, and any other offences that may be uncovered during the investigation.
The command added that investigations are being intensified to identify all persons connected with the recovered exhibits, establish the source and intended use of the funds, and determine the full extent of any criminal enterprise.
The Osun Command stressed that no individual, regardless of social status, political affiliation or public office, is above the law, adding that anyone found culpable at the conclusion of investigations would be prosecuted in accordance with the law.
It urged members of the public to remain calm, continue to provide credible information, and support efforts to ensure peaceful, free, fair and credible electoral processes.
Meanwhile, the Osun State Government accused the Nigeria Police Force of invading the residence of the Secretary to the State Government, Teslim Igbalaye, without a search warrant.
The allegation was contained in a statement signed by the Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Kolapo Alimi, who also claimed that those found on the premises were arrested after a combined team of police officers, led by the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of Operations, allegedly forced their way into the residence.
