The Osun State Police Command has arrested the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Teslim Igbalaye, along with six other individuals, during a raid connected to an ongoing investigation into alleged vote-buying in Osogbo.
Police say the operation followed intelligence gathering as investigators intensified efforts to apprehend a wanted suspect linked to the case.
Police Raid Property Linked to SSG
According to the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Abiodun Ojelabi, officers acted on credible intelligence and raided a property reportedly connected to the SSG while searching for Abiodun Arowomole, also known as Ashipa, who has been declared wanted.
During the operation, police said several items believed to be relevant to the investigation were recovered.
Cash, Voter Register Among Recovered Items
Police disclosed that the following items were seized during the raid:
- ₦4.8 million in cash.
- A laptop computer.
- Office machines.
- Two Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs).
- A voter register covering Wards 1 to 15.
According to the command, all recovered items have been secured and will undergo forensic analysis as part of the ongoing investigation.
Six Other Suspects Arrested
In addition to the SSG, police confirmed the arrest of six other individuals found at the scene.
Those listed by the command include:
- Akande Taiwo (60)
- Oladele Abiodun (38)
- Adeyemo Lukman (45)
- Olaoye Muftau (50)
- Aderemi Musliu (40)
Police said investigations are continuing to determine the roles of those arrested and to locate the wanted suspect.
The Osun State Police Command has not announced any formal charges against the suspects at this stage.
Authorities say the investigation remains active, while forensic examination of the recovered materials is expected to aid the inquiry.
The arrests come amid heightened scrutiny of electoral conduct and allegations of vote-buying in Nigeria.
While police have recovered cash and electoral materials they consider relevant to the investigation, the circumstances surrounding the items and the culpability of those arrested are yet to be established. The outcome of the ongoing investigation will determine whether any criminal charges are filed….See More