The Osun State Police Command has arrested the state's Secretary to the Government (SSG), Teslim Igbalaye, along with five other suspects, over alleged vote-buying and other suspected electoral offences.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, the Police Public Relations Officer, Abiodun Ojelabi, said operatives acting on credible intelligence carried out a lawful operation at a residence in Oroki Estate, Osogbo, linked to the SSG, where they also apprehended a wanted suspect.
According to the police, the operation was launched following intelligence that a criminal gang was operating within the area. During the raid, officers arrested Abiodun Arowomole, popularly known as "Ashipa," who had reportedly been on the police watchlist for serious offences, including murder.
The police said the search of the premises led to the recovery of ₦4,810,500 in cash, a Dynabook laptop, a photocopy machine, a printer, two voter cards, and voter registers covering Wards 1 to 15.
The statement added that all recovered items have been secured and are undergoing forensic examination as part of ongoing investigations.
Those arrested include Teslim Igbalaye, 47; Akande Taiwo, 60; Oladele Abiodun, 38; Adeyemo Lukman, 45; Olaoye Muftau, 50; and Aderemi Musliu, 40. The police said the suspects were found on the premises during the operation and were taken into lawful custody.
Ojelabi stated that the recovery of large sums of cash alongside voter registers raises serious concerns about possible electoral malpractice and other criminal activities.
He said the suspects are being investigated for alleged offences including bribery of voters, contrary to Section 121 of the Electoral Act, 2022, criminal conspiracy, harbouring a wanted criminal, and any other offences that may emerge during the investigation.
Describing the allegations as grave, the police spokesperson said they have significant implications for public security, the justice system, and the credibility of the electoral process.
He assured that investigators are working to identify everyone connected with the recovered items, determine the source and intended use of the cash, and uncover the full scope of the alleged criminal activities.
The Osun Police Command reaffirmed its commitment to enforcing the law impartially, stressing that no individual is above the law regardless of political affiliation or public office.
Ojelabi added that anyone found culpable at the conclusion of investigations would be prosecuted in accordance with the Constitution and other applicable laws, while urging residents to remain peaceful and continue providing credible information to support free, fair, and credible elections.
