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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