Law enforcement officials in Osun State have taken the Secretary to the State Government, Teslim Igbalaye, into custody alongside five other individuals. The arrests occurred during a police operation in Osogbo regarding suspicions of vote buying.
Police spokesperson DSP Abiodun Ojelabi confirmed the development on behalf of Commissioner of Police Ibrahim Gotan. Officers conducted the raid following reports of criminal activity near the Oroki Estate. While searching for a wanted murder suspect named Abiodun Arowomole, authorities discovered substantial evidence at a property associated with Igbalaye.
The items seized included over 4.8 million naira in cash, printing equipment, a laptop, two Permanent Voter Cards, and a voter register covering multiple wards. These findings have led investigators to look into potential violations of the 2022 Electoral Act, along with charges of criminal conspiracy and the concealment of a fugitive.
In addition to the 47-year-old Secretary to the State Government, police arrested Akande Taiwo, Oladele Abiodun, Adeyemo Lukman, Olaoye Muftau, and Aderemi Musliu. All recovered materials are currently undergoing forensic analysis to determine their origin and intended purpose.
Commissioner Gotan emphasized that the investigation will proceed thoroughly regardless of the suspects’ political positions. He reaffirmed that the Nigeria Police Force is committed to maintaining the integrity of the democratic process and will prosecute any individuals found to have broken the law.
