Omanghana
The Osun State Police Command has confirmed the arrest of the Secretary to the State Government, Hon. Teslim Igbalaye, and five other individuals following an intelligence-led operation at his residence in Oroki Estate, Osogbo.
The raid has generated political controversy in the state as preparations intensify for the Osun governorship election scheduled for August 15.
In a statement, Police Public Relations Officer DSP Abiodun Ojelabi said the operation was carried out as part of efforts to apprehend a wanted murder suspect, Abiodun Arowomole, popularly known as “Ashipa.”
According to the police, Arowomole was found at the residence during the operation. Officers also reportedly recovered cash, electoral materials and office equipment from the property.
The items allegedly seized included ₦4,810,500 in cash, several Permanent Voter Cards and a voter register containing information covering Wards 1 to 15 in the Osogbo Local Government Area.
A Dynabook laptop, digital printer and photocopying machine were also reportedly recovered. Police authorities said investigations were underway to determine whether the materials were connected to vote buying or other electoral offences.
The Osun State Government and Governor Ademola Adeleke’s campaign organization have, however, rejected the police account, describing the operation as unlawful, partisan and politically motivated.
Commissioner for Information Oluomo Kolapo Alimi claimed that Igbalaye was not at home when the raid occurred. According to him, the SSG was attending an official stakeholders’ forum organized by the Independent National Electoral Commission at the time.
The government also maintained that those present at the residence were local ward officials participating in a routine political meeting. It denied allegations that the gathering was connected to vote buying or any other unlawful electoral activity.
State officials further accused security agencies of conducting a coordinated campaign of intimidation against senior government officials and members of the Accord Party ahead of the election.
They alleged that the homes of at least six other commissioners had recently been subjected to surveillance or entered without valid search warrants. These claims have not been independently verified.
The state government has formally appealed to President Bola Tinubu, National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu and the Inspector General of Police to intervene and ensure that law enforcement agencies remain neutral throughout the electoral process.
The incident is expected to heighten political tensions in Osun as rival parties intensify their campaigns. Police investigations into the suspects and the materials recovered during the raid are continuing.
Source: Omanghana
