The Osun State Police Command has confirmed the arrest of the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Teslim Igbalaye, alongside five others during an operation carried out at a property linked to the state official in Osogbo.
According to the police, the operation followed intelligence reports that suspected members of a criminal gang were hiding in the Oroki Estate area of the state capital.
In a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Abiodun Ojelabi, the command disclosed that one of those arrested was Oladele Abiodun, popularly known as “Ashipa,” a suspect reportedly on the police watchlist over alleged involvement in serious crimes, including murder.
The six individuals arrested were identified as Hon. Igbalaye Teslim, 47; Akande Taiwo, 60; Oladele Abiodun, 38; Adeyemo Lukman, 45; Olaoye Muftau, 50; and Aderemi Musliu, 40.
Ojelabi said officers recovered several items from the premises, including ₦4,810,500 in cash, a Dynabook laptop, a photocopy machine, a printer, two voter cards, and a voter register covering Wards 1 to 15.
The police said all recovered items have been secured for forensic analysis and further investigation.
“The operation also led to the arrest of the following suspects: Hon Igbalaye Teslim ‘m’ 47years, One Akande Taiwo ‘m’ 60years, Oladele Abiodun ‘m’ 38years, Adeyemo Lukman ‘m’ 45years, Olaoye Muftau ‘m’ 50years, Aderemi Musliu ‘m’ 40years.
“During the operation, officers recovered exhibits comprising cash sum of four million eight hundred and ten thousand, five hundred naira (N4,810,500), one Dynabook laptop, one photocopy machine, one printer, two Voter’s Cards and a voter register for Wards 1-15.
“These exhibits have been secured and are currently in police custody for detailed forensic examination and further investigation,” the statement said.
The command stated that the discovery of the cash and voter register has raised concerns over possible electoral offences and other criminal activities.
According to the police, investigations are focusing on allegations that may include vote-buying under Section 121 of the Electoral Act, 2022, criminal conspiracy, harbouring or concealing a wanted suspect, as well as any additional offences that may emerge during the investigation.
“The recovery of the cash and the register containing voters’ details raises serious concerns regarding possible electoral offences and other criminal activities.
“While investigations are still ongoing, the facts presently available disclose reasonable grounds to investigate the commission of offences, which may include:
“Bribery of voters (vote-buying), contrary to Section 121 of the Electoral Act, 2022, arising from the alleged distribution of money or other inducements to registered voters for the purpose of influencing their voting decisions.
“Criminal conspiracy, where two or more persons are found to have agreed to commit an unlawful act.
“Harbouring or concealing a wanted criminal, where any individual is found to have knowingly sheltered or assisted a fugitive from justice.
“Any other offences that may be disclosed upon the conclusion of the ongoing investigation,” the police stated.
The command noted that the allegations carry significant implications for public safety, the justice system and the integrity of the electoral process.
Investigators are also working to determine the source and intended use of the recovered funds, identify everyone connected to the seized materials and establish the full scope of any criminal activities.
The police reiterated that no one is above the law, regardless of political office or affiliation, and assured the public that anyone found culpable would be prosecuted in accordance with the law.
Residents were urged to remain calm, obey the law and continue providing credible information that could support efforts to combat crime and protect the integrity of the electoral process in the state.
Accord Party Alleges Intimidation
Meanwhile, the Accord Party has condemned the arrests, describing them as acts of intimidation and unlawful detention ahead of the August 15 governorship election in Osun State.
Speaking with journalists in Abuja, the spokesperson for the Imole Campaign Council, Pelumi Olajengbesi, called for the immediate redeployment of the Osun State Commissioner of Police, accusing him of orchestrating what he described as unlawful arrests of Accord Party members.
Olajengbesi alleged that 86 people, including party candidates and government officials, had been arrested.
“In the last two, three days, over 86 members of the Accord Party have been arrested for no reason. These people were arrested and brought by road to Abuja and are being detained here unnecessarily,” he said.
“We have met with the leadership of the police and they cannot provide any explanation to us. There is no petition against them. These people have committed no offence. The Commissioner of Police in Osun State is completely compromised.”
He argued that the arrests could undermine confidence in the forthcoming governorship election and called for a level playing field for all political parties.
“There is a need for us to have a free, impartial election, an election where people can freely express their will. Just now I have been informed the SSG of Osun State has been arrested for no reason because he was sensitising his people about the election,” he added.
The police, however, maintained that the operation was intelligence-driven and conducted in line with their constitutional responsibility to investigate alleged criminal activities without fear or favour.
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