By Dennis Okechukwu
The Secretary to the Osun State Government, Teslim Igbalaye, has regained his freedom after spending about a day in police custody following a raid on his residence in Osogbo.
His release on Thursday was announced by the spokesperson for Governor Ademola Adeleke’s re-election campaign, the Imole Campaign Council, Pelumi Olajengbesi, who thanked the Inspector-General of Police and the Osun State Commissioner of Police for what he described as responding to public calls for justice.
In a statement posted on his verified Facebook page, Olajengbesi expressed appreciation to the police leadership for securing Igbalaye’s release despite what he alleged was external pressure. He also described the arrest as unlawful and welcomed the SSG back, commending what he called his courage and sacrifice.
The spokesperson for the Osun State Police Command, Abiodun Ojelabi, confirmed Igbalaye’s release during a telephone interview with journalists.
Igbalaye and five others were arrested on Wednesday after police operatives raided his residence in Osogbo.
The police had said one of those arrested at the residence, Oladele Abiodun, was on its watchlist over alleged criminal offences.
According to the police, items recovered during the operation included N4.81 million in cash, two Permanent Voter Cards, a voter register, a Dynabook laptop, a photocopying machine and a printer.
Others arrested during the operation were identified as Akande Taiwo, Adeyemo Lukman, Olaoye Muftau and Aderemi Musliu.
The police maintained that the operation followed intelligence reports that suspected criminal elements were hiding at the location and described the raid as lawful.
Following the arrests, members of the Imole Campaign Council demanded the immediate release of the SSG and the other detainees. The campaign organisation also alleged that more than 80 of its members had been arrested across Osun State without lawful justification.