Police Arrest Osun SSG, Five Others

Operatives of the Osun State Police Command have arrested the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Igbalaye Teslim, along with five other suspects during an operation at his residence in Oroki Estate, Osogbo.

The police said the operation followed intelligence reports indicating that a suspected criminal group was operating within the area.

According to a statement issued by the command’s spokesperson, DSP Abiodun Ojelabi, officers carried out a raid on the residence where they arrested a man identified as Abiodun Arowomole, popularly known as “Ashipa”, who was said to be on the police watch list over alleged murder and other criminal offences.

The police also arrested Teslim, 47, alongside Akande Taiwo, 60; Oladele Abiodun, 38; Adeyemo Lukman, 45; Olaoye Muftau, 50; and Aderemi Musliu, 40.

During the operation, officers recovered ₦4,810,500 in cash, a Dynabook laptop, a photocopy machine, a printer, two voter cards and a voter register covering Wards 1 to 15.

The command said all the recovered items have been secured as investigations continue, adding that forensic examinations would be carried out where necessary.

Police said the discovery of the cash and election-related materials has raised suspicion of possible electoral offences ahead of the forthcoming governorship election in the state.

According to preliminary findings, investigators are looking into allegations bordering on vote buying under the Electoral Act 2022, criminal conspiracy and the alleged harbouring of a wanted suspect.

The command stated that investigations have been expanded to determine the source of the recovered money and identify any other individuals connected to the alleged activities.

It also assured residents that the investigation would be conducted in accordance with the law, maintaining that no individual would be treated differently because of political affiliation, public office or social status.

The police urged members of the public to remain calm and continue providing useful information that could assist security agencies in maintaining peace and ensuring a credible electoral process in Osun State.