The Osun State Police Command has arrested the Secretary to the Osun State Government (SSG), Teslim Igbalaye, and five other suspects over an alleged vote-buying investigation in Osogbo.
The command said officers also recovered N4.81 million, a voter register, Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), and other items during the operation.
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, Ibrahim Gotan.
According to the statement, the operation followed credible intelligence indicating that a criminal gang was operating around the Oroki Estate area of Osogbo.
Police said the operation targeted a residential property linked to the SSG while officers searched for a wanted suspect identified as Abiodun Arowomole, popularly known as “Ashipa,” who is on the police watch list over alleged involvement in serious offences, including murder.
During the operation, officers recovered N4,810,500, one Dynabook laptop, one photocopy machine, one printer, two Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), and a voter register covering Wards 1 to 15.
The command said all recovered items had been secured for forensic examination and further investigation.
Police confirmed the arrest of Igbalaye, 47, alongside Akande Taiwo, 60; Oladele Abiodun, 38; Adeyemo Lukman, 45; Olaoye Muftau, 50; and Aderemi Musliu, 40.
According to the statement, the suspects were found within the premises during the operation and have been taken into lawful custody.
The police noted that the recovery of the cash and voter register had raised concerns over possible electoral offences and other criminal activities.
“The recovery of the cash and the register containing voters’ details raises serious concerns regarding possible electoral offences and other criminal activities,” the statement read.
The command disclosed that investigators were 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.
Police added that investigators were also probing allegations of criminal conspiracy and the possible harbouring or concealment of a wanted suspect.
According to the command, additional offences could emerge as investigations progress, depending on the outcome of forensic examinations and other evidence gathered.
“The Osun State Police Command wishes to emphasise that these are serious allegations with far-reaching implications for public security, the administration of justice, and the credibility of the democratic process,” the statement added.
The command assured residents that investigations had been intensified to identify everyone connected to the recovered exhibits, determine the source and intended use of the recovered funds, and establish the full extent of any alleged criminal enterprise.
Commissioner of Police Ibrahim Gotan reiterated the command’s commitment to impartial law enforcement.
“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,” he said.
