The Osun State Police Command has arrested the Secretary to the Osun State Government, Teslim Igbalaye, along with five other individuals following a raid on his residence in Osogbo on Wednesday, July 29. The operation, based on intelligence that a criminal gang was sheltering at the location, led to the detention of Igbalaye and others found on the premises.
Details of the Arrest and Detainees
The command's Public Relations Officer, Abiodun Ojelabi, confirmed in a statement that among those detained was Oladele Abiodun, a suspect on the police watchlist for alleged criminal offences. The other four arrested alongside the SSG were identified as Akande Taiwo, 60; Adeyemo Lukman, 45; Olaoye Muftau, 50; and Aderemi Musliu, 40. The police emphasised that no person, regardless of their social standing or public office, is above the law.
Items Recovered from the Residence
During the raid, officers recovered a total of N4,810,500 in cash, two Permanent Voter Cards, a voter register, a Dynabook laptop, one photocopier, and one printer. The police stated that these items carry serious implications for public security, the administration of justice, and the integrity of the democratic process. They added that anyone found guilty at the conclusion of investigations would face prosecution under the Constitution.
Osun Government Response
The Osun State Government swiftly reacted, accusing the Nigeria Police Force of entering Igbalaye's home without a search warrant. In a statement signed by the Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Kolapo Alimi, the government said a combined team of officers led by the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of Operations forced their way into the residence and arrested everyone they found there. The government condemned the action as unlawful and a violation of due process.
Political and Legal Implications
The arrest has heightened political tension in Osun State, coming amid ongoing electoral preparations. The recovery of voter cards and a voter register has raised concerns about potential electoral fraud. The police have urged residents to remain calm and provide credible information to help prevent crime and protect the electoral process. The Osun government has vowed to challenge the police action, insisting that the raid was conducted illegally.
