Breaking: Osun State SSG, Five Others Arrested Over Alleged Possession of N4.81m, PVCs, Voter Register
…Osun Government Condemns Police Raid as Illegal
The Osun State Police Command has confirmed the arrest of the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Hon. Teslim Igbalaye, and five other persons following a raid on his residence in Osogbo, during which operatives reportedly recovered N4.81 million in cash, Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) and a voter register.
The Command’s spokesperson, DSP Abiodun Ojelabi, said in a statement on Wednesday that the operation was carried out based on credible intelligence and was primarily targeted at apprehending a suspected gang leader, Abiodun Arowomole, popularly known as “Ashipa,” who is on the police watch list over alleged involvement in murder.
According to the police, operatives stormed the residence located in the Oroki Estate area of Osogbo, where Arowomole was reportedly found. During a search of the premises, officers allegedly recovered N4,810,500 in cash, a Dynabook laptop, a photocopy machine, a printer, two PVCs and a voter register covering Wards 1 to 15.
The police identified those arrested during the operation as Hon. Teslim Igbalaye, 47; Akande Taiwo, 60; Oladele Abiodun, 38; Adeyemo Lukman, 45; Olaoye Muftau, 50; and Aderemi Musliu, 40. It said all the suspects were found on the premises and have been taken into lawful custody, while the recovered items have been secured for forensic examination and further investigation.
The Command noted that the recovery of the cash and voter register had raised concerns over possible electoral offences and other criminal activities. It said investigators would determine whether offences, including voter bribery contrary to Section 121 of the Electoral Act, 2022, criminal conspiracy, harbouring a wanted suspect and other related crimes, had been committed.
“The recovery of the cash and the register containing voters’ details raises serious concerns regarding 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,” the statement read.
The police further stated that investigations would establish the source and intended use of the recovered cash, as well as identify all persons connected with the exhibits. It assured residents that the investigation would be conducted without fear or favour, stressing that no individual, irrespective of political affiliation or public office, is above the law. The Command also urged members of the public to remain calm and continue to provide credible information to support efforts aimed at ensuring peaceful, free and credible elections in the state.
Reacting to the development, the Osun State Government condemned the operation, describing the raid on the SSG’s residence as illegal. In a statement issued by the Commissioner for Information, Kolapo Alimi, the government said the raid was unwarranted and politically motivated.
Alimi stated that the SSG was attending a stakeholders’ forum organised by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) at the time of the operation, while ward officials were holding a meeting within the compound of his residence.
“At the time the SSG’s house was invaded, his ward officials were holding a meeting within the compound, while the SSG himself was attending the stakeholders’ forum organised by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC),” Alimi said.
He further alleged that the police had earlier raided the residence of the Commissioner for Energy in Ikire, claiming that the building was ransacked and several properties were destroyed.
The commissioner appealed to traditional rulers, the Inspector General of Police, the National Security Adviser and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to intervene, warning that what he described as targeted actions against government officials and members of the Accord Party could escalate into a breakdown of law and order if not urgently addressed.
Source: The Nation