The Osun State Police Command has arrested and detained the Secretary to the Osun State Government (SSG), Teslim Igbalaye, along with five other individuals following a raid on his residence in Osogbo on Wednesday.
According to the police, the operation was carried out based on intelligence indicating that suspected members of a criminal gang were hiding at the location. During the raid, officers arrested Igbalaye, Oladele Abiodun—who was described as a wanted suspect on the police watchlist—as well as Akande Taiwo, Adeyemo Lukman, Olaoye Muftau and Aderemi Musliu.
Police spokesperson Abiodun Ojelabi said officers recovered ₦4.81 million in cash, two Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), a voter register covering Wards 1 to 15, a Dynabook laptop, a photocopier and a printer from the residence.
The command stated that all recovered items have been secured for forensic examination as investigations continue.
According to the police, the discoveries have raised concerns over possible electoral offences and other criminal activities. Investigators are examining allegations that may include vote-buying under Section 121 of the Electoral Act 2022, criminal conspiracy, harbouring a wanted suspect and any additional offences that may emerge during the investigation.
The police added that efforts are ongoing to determine the source and intended use of the recovered cash, identify anyone connected to the seized materials and establish the full extent of any alleged criminal network.
The command stressed that no individual, regardless of political position or social status, is above the law and assured that anyone found culpable after investigations would be prosecuted in accordance with the law. It also urged residents to remain peaceful and cooperate with security agencies by providing credible information.
Meanwhile, the Osun State Government has condemned the police operation, alleging that officers invaded the SSG’s residence without obtaining a search warrant.
In a statement issued by the Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Kolapo Alimi, the state government claimed that a combined team of police officers, led by the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of Operations, stormed the residence and arrested those found on the premises.
The incident comes amid heightened political activities in Osun State, with investigations by the police still ongoing.
