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From Lateef Dada, Osogbo
The Osun State Police Command has disagreed with the State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Oluwole Jimi-Bada SAN, over the arrest of the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Alhaji Teslim Igbalaye.
In a response to Jimi-Bada’s claim that the arrest was a witch-hunt, the Police Public Relations Officer, Abiodun Ojelabi, insisted that the police acted on credible evidence, not conjecture, politics, or media narrative.
Ojelabi said the Nigeria Police Force is a professional, non-partisan institution established under Section 214 of the Constitution (1999 as amended) and the Police Act, 2020, with duties including prevention and detection of crime, protection of lives and property, and enforcement of laws across Nigeria.
The police said the operation at Igbalaye’s residence was not politically motivated and was undertaken after credible intelligence suggested activities suspected to constitute criminal offences.
Ojelabi added that where credible intelligence requires police intervention, the police have a duty to act promptly, professionally and impartially, regardless of the person’s status.
The police stated that during the operation, several people were found on the premises and relevant exhibits were recovered, including cash, registers containing names and voters’ details, PVCs (Permanent Voter Cards) in the possession of some persons, and other documentary materials now forming part of the investigation.
The police also claimed that one of the arrested persons was a suspect on the police watch list from previous serious investigations, and that the arrest of that suspect “was a significant development” and was done in accordance with the law.
Responding to the Attorney-General’s argument that since the election is scheduled for 15 August 2026, electoral allegations could not have properly arisen on 29 July 2026, Ojelabi said the claim contradicts the police’s preventive responsibility.
He argued that the police do not wait until an offence is completed, saying if credible intelligence shows preparatory acts that could undermine electoral integrity, police can and must investigate immediately.
Ojelabi clarified that the police have not declared Igbalaye guilty, saying his status, like others connected to the investigation, remains subject to the outcome of ongoing investigations. However, Ojelabi insisted that public office does not grant immunity from investigation.
The command rejected the suggestion that it has become partisan or is acting to favour any political interest.
