JUST IN: Osun SSG, Five Others Detained as Police Probe Alleged Electoral Offences

The Osun State Police Command has detained the Secretary to the State Government, Teslim Igbalaye, and five other persons following a police operation at his residence in Osogbo.

‎The police said the operation led to the arrest of Oladele Abiodun, who was allegedly on its watchlist in connection with suspected criminal activities.

‎In a statement issued on Wednesday, the Police Public Relations Officer, Abiodun Ojelabi, said officers acted on intelligence that members of a criminal gang were hiding at a location in Osogbo.

Those arrested alongside Igbalaye were identified as Akande Taiwo, 60; Oladele Abiodun, 38; Adeyemo Lukman, 45; Olaoye Muftau, 50; and Aderemi Musliu, 40.

‎According to the police, officers recovered ₦4,810,500, two Permanent Voter Cards, a voter register covering Wards 1 to 15, a Dynabook laptop, a photocopying machine and a printer during the operation.

The command said the recovered items had been secured for forensic examination and further investigation.

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‎It added that the cash and voter register raised concerns about possible electoral offences and other criminal activities.

‎The police said the investigation would examine possible allegations of voter bribery under Section 121 of the Electoral Act, 2022, criminal conspiracy and harbouring or concealing a wanted suspect.

‎“The facts presently available disclose reasonable grounds to investigate the commission of offences,” the statement said, adding that other offences could emerge as investigations continue.

‎The command said investigators would determine the source and intended use of the recovered funds, identify persons connected to the exhibits and establish the full extent of any suspected criminal activity.

‎Punch reports that he further stressed that no individual, regardless of political affiliation, social status or public office, was above the law, adding that anyone found culpable would be prosecuted in accordance with the law.

Meanwhile, the Osun State Government has accused the police of invading the SSG’s residence without a search warrant.

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‎In a separate statement, the Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Kolapo Alimi, alleged that a combined police team led by the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of Operations forced its way into the residence and arrested persons found on the premises.

The state government’s allegation has further heightened controversy surrounding the operation as police investigations continue.