Police Raid Osun SSG’s Residence, Arrest Six Over Alleged Vote-Buying

The Osun State Police Command has detained Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Teslim Igbalaye, and five others after raiding his residence in Osogbo, where officers reportedly recovered cash, voter documents and electronic equipment now linked to an ongoing investigation into alleged electoral offences.

The Osun State Police Command said the operation, carried out on Wednesday based on intelligence, led to the arrest of one Oladele Abiodun, who was described as a suspect on the command’s watchlist, along with Igbalaye and four other individuals.

Police spokesperson Abiodun Ojelabi said officers recovered ₦4,810,500, two Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), a voter register covering Wards 1 to 15, a Dynabook laptop, a photocopier and a printer during the operation.

According to the command, the recovered items have been taken into custody for forensic examination as investigators probe possible offences, including voter bribery, criminal conspiracy, harbouring a wanted suspect and other crimes that may emerge from the investigation.

The police said the discovery of cash and voter registration materials raised concerns over possible electoral malpractice and vowed to prosecute anyone found culpable, regardless of political status or public office.

Meanwhile, the Osun State Government condemned the operation, alleging that police officers invaded the SSG’s residence without a search warrant.

In a statement by the Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Kolapo Alimi, the government claimed a team led by the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of Operations forced its way into the residence and arrested those present.

The police, however, insisted investigations are ongoing and appealed to residents to remain calm while providing credible information to support efforts to ensure a peaceful and credible electoral process.