Police Confirm Arrests In Raid On Osun SSG’s Residence As Govt Protests

The Osun State Police Command has confirmed the arrest of six persons during a raid on the residence of the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Alhaji Teslim Igbalaye, saying the operation was based on intelligence.

Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Abiodun Ojelabi, said four of the suspects had been screened and found not to be involved in any offence and would be released, while investigations continue.

The Osun State Government, however, condemned the operation, accusing the police of invading the homes of top government officials without obtaining search warrants.

Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Oluomo Kolapo Alimi, alleged that the raid was carried out by a team of police officers led by the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of Operations while the SSG was attending the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) stakeholders’ meeting in Osogbo.

He added that ward officials were holding a meeting within the compound during the operation and alleged that family members and other occupants of the residence were taken to unknown destinations.

Alimi also claimed that the homes of five commissioners had been placed under surveillance, while some had allegedly been raided despite no illegal activity being found.

“These raids on the SSG and our commissioners are an aggravated assault on the government and people of Osun State. This campaign of repression constitutes grave danger to democracy. By openly launching attacks on Osun government officials, the state police command has again confirmed its partiality and partisanship,” the statement read.

The state government called on the police to act professionally and in accordance with the law, while the police said investigations into the operation were ongoing.