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• Suspects nabbed with N4.8m, voter registers
• AIG bans Amotekun, vigilante, others from election security operations
From Lateef Dada, Osogbo
Osun State Police Command has confirmed the arrest of the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Teslim Igbalaye and five others for alleged unlawful possession of electoral materials and suspected vote buying.
The clarification was provided by the Police Public Relations Officer, Abiodun Ojelabi, in response to earlier allegations by the state government claiming that the police had unlawfully invaded the SSG’s residence during a political meeting and abducted his family.
While the state government claimed that ward officials were holding a political meeting at the residence of SSG when the police invaded his residence.
But the police explained that the operation was a targeted, lawful action based on credible intelligence regarding a criminal gang hibernating in the Oroki Estate area of Osogbo.
The police stated that operatives tracked a wanted suspect, Abiodun Arowomole (popularly known as Ashipa), who has been on the command’s watch list for serious crimes, including murder, to a residential property linked to the SSG.
The suspects arrested alongside the SSG were identified as: Hon. Teslim Igbalaye (47), Akande Taiwo (60), Oladele Abiodun (38), Adeyemo Lukman (45), Olaoye Muftau (50), Aderemi Musliu (40).
During the operation, authorities reportedly recovered substantial exhibits, including the sum of N4,810,500 in cash, one Dynabook laptop, a photocopy machine, a printer, two voter cards, and a voter register covering Wards 1 to 15.
The police spokesperson noted that the recovery of the cash and voter registers points toward severe electoral offenses and criminality.
He said the command is investigating the suspects for Bribery of Voters (Vote Buying), Contrary to Section 121 of the Electoral Act, 2022, regarding the distribution of financial inducements to influence voting; criminal conspiracy, engaging in an unlawful agreement to commit an offense; harboring or concealing a wanted criminal, knowingly sheltering a fugitive from justice.
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Reassuring the public of the command’s neutrality, Ojelabi said: “The Osun State Police Command wishes to emphasize that these are serious allegations with far-reaching implications for public security.
“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.”
The police urged residents to remain calm and law-abiding while assuring them of the command’s commitment to ensuring a free, fair, and credible electoral process in the state.
Meanwhile, the Assistant Inspector General (AIG) of Police in charge of Zone 11 Headquarters, Osogbo, has announced that only constitutionally recognized security agencies are authorized to participate in security operations for the upcoming August 15 governorship election in Osun State.
In a statement issued on Wednesday by the Zonal Police Public Relations Officer, Ojedele Tunji, the AIG explicitly stated that the Western Nigeria Security Network (commonly known as Amotekun), local vigilante groups, quasi-security outfits, political organizations, neighborhood watch groups, and any other unauthorised bodies are strictly prohibited from performing security functions, crowd control, or interfering with the electoral process.
“As part of efforts to maintain law and order throughout the election period, the Nigeria Police Force, in collaboration with other constitutionally recognised security agencies, will be solely responsible for the provision of security before, during, and after the election.”
The AIG emphasised that all security personnel deployed for election duties must be properly identified and attired in their approved official uniforms.
Issuing a stern warning to potential violators, the command said, “Any individual or group found engaging in unauthorized security activities or attempting to intimidate voters, electoral officials, or other stakeholders will be dealt with in accordance with the law.”
Political parties, candidates, supporters, and the general public have been urged to remain law-abiding, conduct themselves peacefully, and cooperate fully with security personnel and officials from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
Citizens are also encouraged to report any suspicious movements, acts of violence, voter intimidation, or breaches of the peace to the nearest police station or authorized security agency.
