By Ayo Ayodele
The Osun State Police Command has arrested and detained the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Teslim Igbalaye, along with five other suspects following a raid on his residence in Osogbo.
According to the police, the operation was carried out after intelligence reports indicated that members of a suspected criminal gang were hiding at the location. One of those arrested, Oladele Abiodun, was said to be on the police watchlist over alleged criminal activities.
The command’s spokesperson, Abiodun Ojelabi, said officers recovered N4.81 million, two Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), a voter register covering Wards 1 to 15, a Dynabook laptop, a photocopier and a printer during the operation.
Others arrested alongside Igbalaye were identified as Akande Taiwo, 60; Adeyemo Lukman, 45; Olaoye Muftau, 50; and Aderemi Musliu, 40.
Ojelabi said the recovered items have been taken into police custody for forensic examination and further investigation, noting that the cash and voter register raise concerns over possible electoral offences.
The police said investigators are examining possible offences, including voter bribery under the Electoral Act 2022, criminal conspiracy, harbouring a wanted suspect and other crimes that may emerge during the investigation.
The command added that efforts were ongoing to establish the source and intended use of the recovered funds, identify all persons linked to the exhibits and determine whether any wider criminal network was involved.
It stressed that no individual, regardless of political position or social status, is above the law and assured that anyone found culpable would face prosecution.
Meanwhile, the Osun State Government has condemned the operation, alleging that police officers invaded the SSG’s residence without obtaining a search warrant.
In a statement, the state’s Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Kolapo Alimi, claimed that a team led by the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of Operations stormed the residence and arrested those present.
The government described the operation as unlawful, while police investigations into the matter continue.