The Osun State Police Command has confirmed the arrest of the Secretary to the State Government, Mr Teslim Igbalaye, and five others following a raid on his residence in Osogbo.
One of those arrested at the SSG’s residence was Oladele Abiodun, a suspect on the police’s watchlist in connection with alleged criminal offences.
This is contained in a statement signed by its spokesperson, Mr. Abiodun Ojelabi.
Mr Ojelabi explained that the arrest was carried out during an operation in which officers also recovered millions of naira, electoral materials and other exhibits.
The statement reads “the operation was carried out after the command received credible and actionable intelligence that a criminal gang was operating around the Oroki Estate area of Osogbo.”
According to him, the recovery of the cash and voter register had raised concerns over possible electoral offences and other criminal activities, prompting investigators to broaden the scope of their enquiries.
Mr Ojelabi said police officers recovered a cash sum of N4,810,500, one Dynabook laptop, one photocopy machine, one printer, two Permanent Voter Cards and a voter register covering Wards 1 to 15.
He noted that all recovered items had been secured for forensic examination and further investigation.
Others arrested at the SSG’s residence include Mr Akande Taiwo, 60; Adeyemo Lukman, 45; Olaoye Muftau, 50; and Aderemi Musliu, 40.
The command disclosed that investigators were examining possible offences under the Electoral Act 2022, including the alleged bribery of voters through the distribution of money or inducements intended to influence voting decisions.
It added that investigators were considering allegations of criminal conspiracy and the possible harbouring or concealment of a wanted suspect.
