The Osun State Police Command has arrested the state’s Secretary to the Government (SSG), Teslim Igbalaye, alongside five other suspects over alleged vote-buying and electoral offences.
The arrests followed a police raid on a residence linked to the SSG in Osogbo, the state capital, after security operatives reportedly acted on credible intelligence.
According to a statement issued on Wednesday by the Police Public Relations Officer in Osun, Abiodun Ojelabi, operatives recovered ₦4.8 million in cash, Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), electoral voter registers and other materials believed to be connected to the alleged vote-buying operation.
The police also alleged that the residence was harbouring a suspected criminal and gang leader identified as Abiodun Arowomole, popularly known as “Ashipa.”
The command disclosed that Igbalaye, described as a close ally of Governor Ademola Adeleke, and the five other suspects have been taken into custody as investigations continue.
Police authorities said the recovered exhibits, including the cash and electoral materials, would form part of the ongoing investigation into the alleged electoral malpractice and related criminal activities.
The command reiterated its commitment to ensuring a free, fair and credible electoral process, warning that anyone found violating electoral laws would be prosecuted in accordance with the law.
