The Nigeria Police Force has confirmed the arrest of 300 individuals found at the residence of a political stakeholder in Osun State during the governorship election held on Saturday, July 2026. Force Public Relations Officer Anietie Okokon Iniedu announced the arrests, stating that the individuals were unaccounted for at the location and are currently being profiled by security operatives.
Police Confirm 300 Arrests at Political Stakeholder's Residence
Iniedu, the Force PRO, disclosed that police moved to the location after receiving reports but were initially unable to verify allegations made about the premises. "We invited the GPO to proceed to that location, and we could not confirm that allegation," Iniedu said. "However, we also made arrests at the political stakeholders' residence where we located 300 unaccounted-for persons. Presently, we are profiling them."
The Force PRO did not name the political stakeholder whose residence was involved, nor did he provide the specific location within the state where the arrests took place. The profiling process is expected to determine the identities and reasons for their presence at the residence.
Osun Remains Calm, Voters Urged to Participate
Despite the arrests, Iniedu stated that the overall security situation across Osun State was under control as of Saturday morning, August 15. "Osun remains very calm," he said, urging residents not to be deterred from participating in the election. He assured the public that anyone who came out to vote would be able to cast their ballot without hindrance.
The Force PRO's remarks came as security agencies maintained a visible presence across polling units in the state to ensure orderly conduct during the exercise. The police have not reported any major security breaches, and voting is expected to proceed smoothly across the state.
Imole Campaign Council Alleges Arrest of Adeleke Aide
Earlier, the Imole Campaign Council raised an alarm on Saturday morning, August 15, alleging that soldiers detained a Special Adviser to Osun Governor Ademola Adeleke and a prominent Accord Party campaigner in the hours before the governorship election opened. The council's spokesman, Pelumi Olajengbesi, said in a statement that soldiers arrived in more than 15 trucks on Friday night, August 14, and descended on the homes of Accord Party leaders in several parts of Osun State, with the Osun East Senatorial District bearing the brunt of the operation.
The allegations have not been independently verified, and the police have not commented on them. The Nigeria Police Force has confirmed the 300 arrests and continues to profile the individuals, while urging voters to participate in the election without fear.
