The Osun State Police Command has arrested the Secretary to the State Government, Teslim Igbalaye, and six other individuals over alleged vote buying and other offences.
The command, in a statement issued on Wednesday by its Public Relations Officer, Abiodun Ojelabi, said the arrests followed credible intelligence about the activities of a suspected criminal gang operating around the Oroki Estate area of Osogbo.
According to the Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Gotan, police operatives conducted a search operation within the area and apprehended one Abiodun Arowomole, popularly known as “Ashipa,” who was said to be on the command’s watch-list over alleged murder and other criminal activities.
Arowomole was reportedly found at a residential property linked to the SSG during the operation and was subsequently taken into custody.
The police said officers recovered N4,810,500 in cash, a Dynabook laptop, a photocopy machine, a printer, two voter cards and a voters’ register covering Wards 1–15.
The recovered items, according to the command, have been secured in police custody for forensic examination and further investigation.
Other suspects arrested were identified as Akande Taiwo, 60; Oladele Abiodun, 38; Adeyemo Lukman, 45; Olaoye Muftau, 50; and Aderemi Musliu, 40.
The police said the recovery of the cash and voters’ register had raised concerns over possible electoral offences and other criminal activities.
The command said the allegations under investigation include bribery of voters, contrary to Section 121 of the Electoral Act 2022; criminal conspiracy; and allegedly harbouring or concealing a wanted person.
The police stressed that the allegations had not yet been proven, noting that investigations were ongoing to establish the source and intended use of the recovered funds, identify everyone connected to the exhibits and determine the full extent of the alleged activities.
Gotan assured residents that the police would carry out their constitutional responsibilities without fear or favour, stressing that no person, regardless of political affiliation, social status or public position, was above the law.
He added that anyone found culpable at the conclusion of investigations would be prosecuted in accordance with the Constitution and other applicable laws.
The command also urged members of the public to remain calm and law-abiding, while providing credible information that could assist the police in ensuring a peaceful, free, fair and credible electoral process.
