The Osun State government has formally accused the Nigeria Police Force of executing coordinated raids on the homes of top officials, characterizing these actions as a deliberate attempt to intimidate political figures before the upcoming gubernatorial election. Commissioner for Information Kolapo Alimi stated that officers entered the residence of the Secretary to the State Government, Teslim Igbalaye, while he was attending an INEC forum. According to the government, police detained family members and individuals present at the property during this operation.
Authorities in Osun allege that these raids are not isolated, claiming that security forces have also targeted the residences of at least six commissioners. Specific allegations include property damage at the home of Commissioner for Energy Festus Adeyemo. The state government further contends that several members of the Accord party are being held by the police without bail, describing the entire series of events as a partisan assault on democratic institutions.
State officials have called upon federal leaders, including President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Inspector-General of Police, to intervene and stop what they describe as a campaign of repression. Conversely, the Osun State Police Command, represented by spokesperson DSP Abiodun Ojelabi, previously confirmed that arrests were made as part of a probe into alleged vote-buying activities in Osogbo.
