The Osun State Police Command has arrested several suspects, including the Secretary to the Osun State Government, Teslim Igbalaye, following an operation linked to an alleged vote-buying investigation in Osogbo.
This revelation was contained in a statement by the
command’s spokesperson, DSP Abiodun Ojelabi, on behalf of the Commissioner of
Police, CP Ibrahim Gotan, on Wednesday.
The statement said the arrest was carried out during an
operation in which officers also recovered millions of naira, electoral
materials and other exhibits.
According to the statement, “the operation was carried out
after the command received credible and actionable intelligence that a criminal
gang was operating around the Oroki Estate area of Osogbo.”
The police said “the operation targeted a residential
property linked to the Secretary to the Osun State Government (SSG), where
officers were searching for a suspect identified as Abiodun Arowomole,
popularly known as ‘Ashipa’, who is on the police watch list over alleged
involvement in serious criminal offences, including murder.
“During the operation, police officers recovered a cash sum
of N4,810,500, one Dynabook laptop, one photocopy machine, one printer, two
Permanent Voter Cards and a voter register covering Wards 1 to 15.
“The command stated that all recovered items had been
secured for forensic examination and further investigation.”
The command confirmed “the arrest of Teslim Igbalaye, 57,
alongside Akande Taiwo, 60, Oladele Abiodun, 38, Adeyemo Lukman, 45, Olaoye
Muftau, 50, and Aderemi Musliu, 40. The suspects were found within the premises
during the operation and had been taken into lawful custody.”
Police said the recovery of the cash and voter register had
raised concerns over possible electoral offences and other criminal activities,
prompting investigators to broaden the scope of their enquiries.
“The recovery of the cash and the register containing
voters’ details raises serious concerns regarding possible electoral offences
and other criminal activities,” the statement said.
The command disclosed that investigators were examining
possible offences under the Electoral Act 2022, including the alleged bribery
of voters through the distribution of money or inducements intended to
influence voting decisions.
It added that investigators were also considering
allegations of criminal conspiracy and the possible harbouring or concealment
of a wanted suspect.
The police stated that additional offences could emerge as
investigations progress, depending on the outcome of forensic examinations and
evidence gathered during the inquiry.
“The Osun State Police Command wishes to emphasise that
these are serious allegations with far-reaching implications for public
security, the administration of justice, and the credibility of the democratic
process,” the statement added.
The command assured residents that investigations were being
intensified to identify everyone connected with the recovered exhibits,
determine the source and intended use of the recovered funds, and establish the
full extent of any alleged criminal enterprise.
“I wish to assure the good people of Osun State that the
Nigeria Police Force remains steadfast in its constitutional responsibility to
enforce the law without fear or favour, affection or ill will. 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 in accordance with the Constitution of the Federal Republic of
Nigeria and all applicable laws,” CP Gotan said.
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