The Osun State Police Command has confirmed the arrest of the Secretary to the Osun State Government (SSG), Teslim Igbalaye, along with five other individuals over allegations of vote buying in Osogbo, the state capital.
The arrests were disclosed in a statement issued on Wednesday, July 29, by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Abiodun Ojelabi, on behalf of the Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Gotan.
According to the statement, the operation followed credible intelligence indicating that a group suspected of engaging in electoral offences was operating within the Oroki Estate area of Osogbo.
Police identified the suspects as Teslim Igbalaye, 57; Akande Taiwo, 60; Oladele Abiodun, 38; Adeyemo Lukman, 45; Olaoye Muftau, 50; and Aderemi Musliu, 40.
The command explained that officers carried out the operation at a residence linked to the SSG while searching for a wanted suspect, Abiodun Arowomole, popularly known as “Ashipa.” The suspect is reportedly on the police watch list over alleged offences, including murder.
During the search, officers recovered ₦4,810,500 in cash, a Dynabook laptop, a photocopy machine, a printer, two Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), and a voter register containing details for Wards 1 to 15.
The police said all recovered items have been taken into custody and will undergo forensic examination as part of the ongoing investigation.
Investigators are examining whether the suspects violated provisions of the Electoral Act 2022, particularly allegations of voter inducement through the distribution of cash or other incentives aimed at influencing voters during the electoral process.
The command also disclosed that it is investigating possible criminal conspiracy, including whether anyone at the property assisted in concealing the wanted suspect.
Police added that the investigation is still ongoing and noted that additional charges may be filed against the suspects depending on the outcome of forensic analysis and other evidence gathered during the probe.
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