The Osun State Police Command has arrested the Secretary to the Osun State Government (SSG), Teslim Igbalaye, and five other suspects over alleged vote buying and other suspected electoral offences during an operation in Osogbo.
Police said the operation, carried out in the Oroki Estate area of Osogbo, also led to the recovery of N4.81 million in cash, a voter register, Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), and other materials that are now being examined as part of an ongoing investigation.
The development comes as Osun prepares for its governorship election, making the allegations particularly significant because of growing concerns over electoral malpractice and the need to protect the integrity of the voting process.
The arrests were announced in a statement issued on Wednesday by the Police Public Relations Officer in the state, DSP Abiodun Ojelabi, on behalf of the Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Gotan.
According to the statement, the operation followed credible intelligence received by the command about the activities of a suspected criminal gang operating within the Oroki Estate area.
The police explained that officers were specifically searching for a wanted suspect identified as Abiodun Arowomole, popularly known as “Ashipa,” who is on the police watch list over allegations of serious crimes, including murder.
Investigators said the search took them to a residential property linked to the Secretary to the Osun State Government.
During the operation, officers reportedly recovered a cash sum of N4,810,500, one Dynabook laptop computer, a photocopy machine, a printer, two Permanent Voter Cards and a voter register covering Wards 1 to 15.
Police said all the recovered items have been secured and would undergo forensic examination as part of efforts to establish their origin, purpose and possible connection to any criminal activity.
The command also confirmed the arrest of six people found inside the premises during the operation.
Those arrested include the Secretary to the State Government, Teslim Igbalaye, 57; Akande Taiwo, 60; Oladele Abiodun, 38; Adeyemo Lukman, 45; Olaoye Muftau, 50; and Aderemi Musliu, 40.
According to the police, the suspects have been taken into lawful custody while investigations continue.
The command said the discovery of the cash and the voter register has raised serious concerns about possible electoral offences and other criminal activities.
Investigators are now expanding the scope of the inquiry to determine whether the recovered items were intended for illegal use during the election.
Police said one of the major issues under investigation is possible violations of the Electoral Act 2022.
According to the statement, detectives are examining allegations that money may have been intended to induce or influence voters, an offence prohibited under Nigeria’s electoral laws.
The Electoral Act criminalises vote buying, vote selling and any attempt to influence voters through financial or material inducements. The law prescribes penalties for individuals found guilty of such offences as part of efforts to ensure free, fair and credible elections.
Apart from the alleged electoral offences, police said investigators are also looking into possible criminal conspiracy as well as allegations that the premises may have been used to harbour or conceal a wanted suspect.
The command added that more offences could emerge depending on the outcome of forensic examinations and additional evidence gathered during the investigation.
Police stressed that the investigation remains ongoing and that no final conclusions have been reached.
“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.
It further noted that the allegations have wider implications beyond the immediate suspects because they touch on public confidence in elections and the administration of justice.
“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 investigators are working to identify everyone connected to the recovered exhibits.
Police also said efforts are underway to determine the source of the recovered money, establish how it was intended to be used and identify any other persons who may have played a role in the alleged activities.
Commissioner of Police Ibrahim Gotan assured the public that the investigation would be conducted professionally and without political bias.
He maintained that no one would receive special treatment because of political office, social status or party affiliation.
“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,” the commissioner said.
He added that every individual found culpable after investigations would be prosecuted in line with the Constitution and other relevant laws of the country.
“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,” he said.
The latest development comes at a sensitive period in Osun State, where political activities have intensified ahead of the governorship election.
Security agencies have repeatedly assured political parties, candidates and voters that they are committed to ensuring peaceful, transparent and credible elections across the state.
In recent weeks, both the police and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) have stepped up preparations for the poll, with security agencies warning against vote buying, voter intimidation, violence and other electoral offences.
Political parties and candidates have also been urged to conduct their campaigns peacefully and respect the Electoral Act.
With the investigation now widening, attention will focus on the outcome of the forensic examination of the recovered materials and whether the police will file charges against any of the suspects.
For now, the Osun State Police Command says investigations are continuing and has urged residents to remain calm while allowing law enforcement officers to complete their work.