The Osun State Police Command has arrested the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Teslim Igbalaye, along with five other suspects following a raid on his residence in Osogbo over alleged electoral and criminal offences.
According to the police, the operation was carried out after intelligence reports indicated that members of a suspected criminal gang were hiding at the residence.
During the raid, officers arrested six individuals, including Igbalaye, and recovered cash totaling ₦4,810,500, two Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), a voter register covering Wards 1 to 15, a Dynabook laptop, a photocopier, and a printer.
The other suspects were identified as Akande Taiwo, Oladele Abiodun, Adeyemo Lukman, Olaoye Muftau, and Aderemi Musliu.
Police disclosed that Abiodun was already on its watchlist over alleged criminal activities.
In a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, Abiodun Ojelabi, the command said the recovered exhibits have been taken into custody for forensic examination and further investigation.
The police said the items recovered raise serious concerns about possible violations of the Electoral Act, including alleged vote-buying, criminal conspiracy, harbouring a wanted suspect, and other offences that may emerge as investigations progress.
According to the command, investigators are working to determine the source and intended use of the recovered cash, identify all individuals connected to the voter register and other exhibits, and establish the full scope of any criminal enterprise.
The police maintained that no individual, regardless of political position or social status, is above the law, assuring the public that anyone found culpable would be prosecuted in accordance with the law.
Meanwhile, the Osun State Government has condemned the operation, alleging that police officers invaded the residence of the SSG without obtaining a search warrant.
In a statement issued by the Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Kolapo Alimi, the government accused the police of unlawfully storming the residence with a team led by the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of Operations and arresting those found on the premises.
