The Osun State Police Command has arrested Teslim Igbalaye, secretary to the State Government (SSG), along with five others over alleged vote-buying.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, Abiodun Ojelabi, spokesperson for the police in Osun, said operatives recovered ₦4.8 million and other electoral materials from a residence linked to the SSG in Osogbo, the state capital.
“Acting on credible and actionable intelligence that some criminal gang were hibernating around Oroki Estate Area, Osogbo, operatives of the Command carried out a lawful operation within the environs while one suspect identified as Abiodun Arowomole, popularly known as ‘Ashipa,’ who has been on the watch-list in connection with serious criminal offences including murder and others at a residential property linked to the Secretary to the State Government (SSG) of Osun State,” the statement reads.
“During the operation, officers recovered exhibits comprising cash sum of four million eight hundred ten thousand, five hundred naira (N4,810,500), one Dynabook Laptop, one Photocopy Machine, one Printer, two Voter’s Card and voter register for Ward 1-15.
“These exhibits have been secured and are currently in police custody for detailed forensic examination and further investigation.
“The operation also led to the arrest of the following suspects: Hon Igbalaye Teslim ‘m’ 47years, One Akande Taiwo ‘m’ 60years, Oladele Abiodun ‘m’ 38years, Adeyemo Lukman ‘m’ 45years, Olaoye Muftau ‘m’ 50years, Aderemi Musliu ‘m’ 40years.
“The suspect was found within the premises during the operation and has since been taken into lawful custody.”
Ojelabi noted that the recovery of cash and voter registers raises serious concerns about possible electoral offences and other criminal activities.
“While investigations are still ongoing, the facts presently available disclose reasonable grounds to investigate the commission of offences which may include: Bribery of Voters (Vote Buying) contrary to Section 121 of the Electoral Act, 2022, arising from the alleged distribution of money or other inducements to registered voters for the purpose of influencing their voting decisions,” he said.
“Criminal conspiracy, where two or more persons are found to have agreed to commit an unlawful act.
“Harbouring or concealing a Wanted Criminal, where any individual is found to have knowingly sheltered or assisted a fugitive from justice. Any other offences that may be disclosed upon the conclusion of the ongoing investigation.”
He described the allegations as “serious allegations with far-reaching implications for public security, the administration of justice, and the credibility of the democratic process”.
Ojelabi added that investigations are ongoing to identify all persons connected to the recovered items, trace the source and intended use of the funds, and determine the full scope of any criminal activity.
He assured that the police remain committed to enforcing the law without bias.
“No individual, irrespective of social status, political affiliation, or public office, is above the law,” he said.
“Any person found culpable at the conclusion of investigations will be prosecuted in accordance with the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and all applicable laws.”
He urged members of the public to remain calm, law-abiding, and to provide credible information to support efforts toward ensuring peaceful, free, fair, and credible elections.
