Police Arrest Osun SSG, Five Others Over Alleged Vote-Buying Scheme, Recover ₦4.8m, PVCs

– Recovers PVC, cash, voter register

– Govt kicks

BY FRONTLINE REPORTERS

The Osun State Police Command has arrested the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Mr. Teslim Igbalaye, alongside five other suspects over alleged vote-buying activities ahead of the August 15 governorship election in the state.

The arrests followed a police raid on the SSG’s residence located in the Oroki Estate area of Osogbo on Wednesday. According to a statement issued by the Command, operatives recovered several Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) and other materials suspected to be linked to electoral malpractice.

Police disclosed that among the items recovered were a register containing voters’ details, ₦4.8 million in cash, a Dynabook laptop, photocopying machines, a printer, and voter registers covering Wards One to Fifteen in Osogbo Local Government Area. Authorities said the discoveries have heightened concerns over possible violations of the Electoral Act.

The Command identified the other suspects as Abiodun Arowomole, popularly known as “Ashipa,” who is reportedly on the Police watch list as a wanted murder suspect, as well as Taiwo Akande, Lukman Adeyemo, Muftau Olaoye, and Musiliu Aderemi.

According to the Police, investigations are ongoing into allegations bordering on vote-buying, criminal conspiracy, and harbouring a wanted suspect. The Command stressed that the allegations carry serious implications for the integrity of the electoral process and the administration of justice.

Reaffirming its commitment to neutrality, the Police stated that it would continue to enforce the law “without fear or favour, affection or ill will,” while urging residents to remain peaceful and provide credible information capable of ensuring a free, fair, and credible governorship election.

However, sources indicated that Mr. Igbalaye later presented himself at the State Police Command after learning of the operation carried out at his residence.

The Osun State Government has strongly condemned the police action, describing the raid as unlawful and politically motivated. In a statement signed by the Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Kolapo Alimi, the government maintained that ward officials were merely holding a meeting at the premises at the time of the operation, while the SSG was attending a stakeholders’ forum organized by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

The state government further alleged that security operatives had, a day earlier, raided the residence of the Commissioner for Energy in Ikire, claiming that properties were damaged during the operation. It subsequently called on traditional rulers, the Inspector-General of Police, the National Security Adviser, and President Bola Tinubu to intervene, alleging a pattern of intimidation targeting senior government officials and members of the Accord Party in the state.

Meanwhile, the All Progressives Congress (APC) Campaign Council welcomed the development, describing it as a vindication of its longstanding allegations of plans to manipulate the forthcoming election. In a statement issued by its spokesperson, Remi Omowaye, the party commended the Nigeria Police Force for what it described as a professional operation and urged security agencies to intensify investigations into alleged criminal activities linked to the election.

With just weeks to the governorship poll, the unfolding controversy has further heightened political tensions in Osun State, setting the stage for what promises to be a fiercely contested election.