Following credible and actionable intelligence that a criminal gang was hibernating around the Oroki Estate Area of Osogbo, the Osun State Police Command said it arrested Teslim Igbalaye, the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), and five others during an operation at a residential property linked to the SSG.
- +Osun SSG, five others arrested as Police recover N4.8m, electoral materials
The Command said officers recovered N4,810,500 in cash, one Dynabook laptop, one photocopy machine, one printer, two voter cards and a voters’ register for Wards 1 to 15 during the operation.
The Command said officers recovered N4,810,500 in cash, one Dynabook laptop, one photocopy machine, one printer, two voter cards and a voters’ register for Wards 1 to 15 during the operation. It added that the recovered exhibits had been secured for forensic examination and further investigation.
Abiodun Ojelabi, the Police Public Relations Officer, Osun State Police Command, said in a statement on Wednesday that the operation was carried out while operatives were searching for Abiodun Arowomole, popularly known as “Ashipa,” who had been on the watch-list in connection with serious criminal offences, including murder and others.
According to the statement, the operation also led to the arrest of Akande Taiwo, Oladele Abiodun, Adeyemo Lukman, Olaoye Muftau and Aderemi Musiliu, who were found within the premises and taken into lawful custody.
The statement read, “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 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. 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.”
The Command said the allegations were serious and had far-reaching implications for public security, the administration of justice and the credibility of the democratic process.
It added that investigations were being intensified to identify all persons connected to the recovered exhibits, establish the source and intended use of the recovered funds, and determine the full extent of any criminal enterprise.
The Police, however, assured residents that no individual, irrespective of social status, political affiliation or public office, was above the law, adding that anyone found culpable at the conclusion of the investigation would be prosecuted in accordance with the law.
The Command also urged members of the public to remain calm, law-abiding and continue providing credible information that would assist the police in preventing crime and ensuring peaceful, free, fair and credible electoral processes.
