The arrest and detention of Osun Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Teslim Igbalaye, and five others by the Police for alleged vote buying has been described as illegal and deliberate intimidation of opposition by the APC ahead the August 15 governorship election in the state.
Osun Police Command said one of those arrested at the residence, Oladele Abiodun, was a suspect already on its watchlist over alleged criminal offences.
In a statement issued by the Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Kolapo Alimi, the government described the operation as unlawful and alleged that those found on the premises were arrested during the raid.
He condemned the operation, alleging that police officers invaded the SSG’s residence without obtaining a search warrant.
The state government also claimed that the operation was carried out by a combined team of police officers led by the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of Operations.
According to a statement by the Police Public Relations Officer, Abiodun Ojelabi, officers recovered ₦4,810,500 in cash, two Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), a voter register covering Wards 1 to 15, a Dynabook laptop, a photocopier and a printer during the operation.
Others arrested alongside the SSG were identified as Akande Taiwo, 60; Adeyemo Lukman, 45; Olaoye Muftau, 50; and Aderemi Musliu, 40.
The police said the raid followed credible intelligence indicating that members of a criminal gang were hiding at the location.
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According to the command, the recovered cash and voter register have raised concerns over possible electoral offences, including alleged vote-buying, criminal conspiracy and harbouring a wanted suspect.
“The exhibits have been secured and are currently in police custody for forensic examination and further investigation,” the statement said.
The command added that investigators would determine the source and intended use of the recovered funds and identify all persons connected to the exhibits.
It stressed that no individual, regardless of political affiliation or public office, is above the law, assuring that anyone found culpable would be prosecuted.
