The Osun State Police Command has detained the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Teslim Igbalaye, and five other suspects following an intelligence-led raid on his residence in Osogbo, where officers recovered ₦4.81 million, voter registration materials and electronic devices.
Police said the operation also led to the arrest of Oladele Abiodun, a suspect already on the command’s watchlist over alleged criminal offences.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Abiodun Ojelabi, said operatives acted on credible intelligence indicating that members of a suspected criminal gang were hiding at a location in Osogbo.
According to him, the operation resulted in the arrest of Igbalaye, 47, alongside Akande Taiwo, 60; Oladele Abiodun, 38; Adeyemo Lukman, 45; Olaoye Muftau, 50; and Aderemi Musliu, 40.
Ojelabi said detectives recovered ₦4,810,500, a Dynabook laptop, a photocopier, a printer, two Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) and a voter register covering Wards 1 to 15.
“During the operation, officers recovered exhibits comprising the sum of ₦4,810,500, one Dynabook laptop, one photocopy machine, one printer, two Permanent Voter 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 police spokesman stated that the recovery of the cash and electoral materials had raised concerns requiring further investigation into possible electoral and related criminal offences.
According to the command, investigators are examining whether offences under the Electoral Act, 2022, including alleged vote-buying, criminal conspiracy and harbouring of a wanted suspect, may have been committed.
“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 ongoing, the facts presently available disclose reasonable grounds to investigate offences, including alleged bribery of voters, criminal conspiracy, harbouring or concealing a wanted criminal, and any other offences that may be established at the conclusion of the investigation,” Ojelabi said.
He added that detectives were working to identify all persons connected with the recovered exhibits, establish the source and intended use of the money and determine whether any wider criminal network was involved.
The Command stressed that the investigation remained ongoing and that no conclusions had been reached regarding the culpability of any of the suspects.
“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 and other applicable laws,” the statement added.
The police also appealed to residents to remain calm, obey the law and continue providing credible information that could assist security agencies in preventing crime and ensuring peaceful, free, fair and credible electoral processes across the state.
