The Osun State Police Command has apprehended the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Teslim Igbalaye, alongside five other individuals on suspicion of vote buying in Osogbo. The arrests were confirmed in a statement issued on Wednesday, July 29, by police spokesperson DSP Abiodun Ojelabi, speaking on behalf of Commissioner of Police Ibrahim Gotan.
Operation Based on Intelligence
According to the command, officers acted on credible intelligence regarding a group allegedly operating around the Oroki Estate area of Osogbo. The operation targeted a house linked to Igbalaye while authorities were searching for a wanted suspect, Abiodun Arowomole, also known as “Ashipa,” who is on the police watch list for alleged crimes including murder.
Suspects and Recovered Items
The police confirmed the arrest of Teslim Igbalaye, 57; Akande Taiwo, 60; Oladele Abiodun, 38; Adeyemo Lukman, 45; Olaoye Muftau, 50; and Aderemi Musliu, 40. During the operation, officers recovered a total of N4,810,500 in cash, a Dynabook laptop, a photocopy machine, a printer, two Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), and a voter register covering Wards 1 to 15.
Forensic Examination Underway
The command stated that all recovered items have been taken for forensic examination and further investigation. Investigators are looking into possible violations of the Electoral Act 2022, including allegations of voter bribery through the distribution of money or other inducements aimed at influencing voters. The police are also probing possible criminal conspiracy and whether any individuals at the property assisted in hiding the wanted suspect. Additional charges may be filed depending on the outcome of the investigation and forensic analysis.
