Police arrest Osun SSG, five others over alleged electoral offences

The Osun State Police Command has arrested the Secretary to the State Government, Igbalaye Teslim, along with five other individuals during an operation in Osogbo as part of an ongoing investigation into alleged criminal activities and possible electoral offences ahead of the state’s governorship election.

The arrests took place at Teslim’s residence in Oroki Estate after security operatives acted on intelligence suggesting that a suspected criminal group was operating from the location. During the operation, police reportedly apprehended Abiodun Arowomole, also known as Ashipa, who is said to have been on the police watch list over allegations linked to murder and other criminal offences.

Apart from the SSG, those arrested include Akande Taiwo, Oladele Abiodun, Adeyemo Lukman, Olaoye Muftau and Aderemi Musliu. The police said all six suspects are currently in custody while investigations continue.

Security operatives also recovered ₦4,810,500 in cash, a Dynabook laptop, a photocopy machine, a printer, two voter cards and a voter register containing details of Wards 1 to 15. The recovered items have been taken into police custody for further examination.

According to the command, investigators are examining whether the recovered cash and election materials are connected to possible violations of the Electoral Act 2022. The investigation is also looking into allegations of vote buying, criminal conspiracy and the alleged harbouring of a wanted suspect.

The police said forensic analysis would be carried out where necessary to establish the origin of the recovered items and determine whether additional persons were involved in the alleged activities.

The command stated that the investigation would be conducted in line with the law and maintained that every suspect would be treated equally, regardless of political affiliation, social status or public office.

Police also appealed to residents of Osun State to remain peaceful and continue providing useful information that could assist security agencies in maintaining law and order as preparations continue for the governorship election.