Just In: Police Arrest Osun SSG Over Alleged Vote-buying, Recover N4.8m

The Osun State Police Command has confirmed the arrest of the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Hon. Teslim Igbalaye, and five other suspects during an operation in Osogbo as part of an ongoing investigation into alleged electoral offences and other criminal activities ahead of the August 15 governorship election.

The Command also announced the recovery of ₦4,810,500 in cash, electoral materials and other exhibits, which it said are undergoing forensic examination.

The development was disclosed in a statement issued on Wednesday by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Abiodun Ojelabi, on behalf of the Commissioner of Police, CP Ibrahim Gotan.

According to the statement, the operation followed credible and actionable intelligence that a suspected criminal gang was operating around the Oroki Estate area of Osogbo.

The police said the operation was conducted at a residential property linked to the Secretary to the State Government while operatives were searching for a wanted suspect, Abiodun Arowomole, popularly known as “Ashipa,” who is on the police watch list over alleged involvement in serious criminal offences, including murder.

During the operation, the police said officers recovered ₦4,810,500 in cash, a Dynabook laptop, a photocopy machine, a printer, two Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) and a voter register covering Wards 1 to 15.

According to the Command, all the recovered items have been secured and are undergoing forensic examination as investigations continue.

The police further confirmed the arrest of Hon. Teslim Igbalaye, 57, alongside Akande Taiwo, 60; Oladele Abiodun, 38; Adeyemo Lukman, 45; Olaoye Muftau, 50; and Aderemi Musliu, 40.

The statement said the suspects were found within the premises during the operation and had been taken into lawful custody.

The Police Command stated that the recovery of the cash and voter register had raised concerns over possible electoral offences and other criminal activities, prompting investigators to widen the scope of their inquiries.

According to the statement, investigators are examining possible violations of the Electoral Act 2022, including alleged voter bribery through the distribution of money or other inducements intended to influence voting decisions.

The Command added that it is also investigating possible offences relating to criminal conspiracy and the alleged harbouring or concealment of a wanted suspect, noting that additional offences may be established as investigations progress.

“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 Police Command stressed that the allegations remain under investigation and assured residents that efforts are being intensified to identify everyone connected with the recovered exhibits, determine the source and intended use of the funds, and establish the full extent of any alleged criminal enterprise.

Reaffirming the Command’s commitment to impartial law enforcement, Commissioner of Police Ibrahim Gotan said the Nigeria Police Force would carry out its constitutional responsibilities without fear or favour.

“I wish to assure the good people of Osun State that the Nigeria Police Force remains steadfast in its constitutional responsibility to enforce the law without fear or favour, affection or ill will. No individual, irrespective of social status, political affiliation or public office, is above the law. Any person found culpable at the conclusion of investigations will be prosecuted in accordance with the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and all applicable laws,” the Commissioner stated.