Osun SSG, Five Others Arrested Over Alleged Vote Buying as Police Recover Cash, Voter Register

OSOGBO, Nigeria – The Osun State Police Command has arrested the Secretary to the Osun State Government (SSG), Teslim Igbalaye, and five other individuals during an operation linked to an investigation into alleged vote buying and other suspected electoral offences in Osogbo.

According to a statement issued on Wednesday by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Abiodun Ojelabi, on behalf of the Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Gotan, the operation followed credible intelligence about suspected criminal activities around the Oroki Estate area of the state capital.

Police said officers raided a residential property reportedly linked to the SSG while searching for a wanted suspect identified as Abiodun Arowomole, popularly known as "Ashipa," who is on the police watch list over alleged involvement in serious crimes, including murder.

During the operation, officers recovered ₦4,810,500 in cash, a Dynabook laptop, a photocopy machine, a printer, two Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), and a voter register covering Wards 1 to 15. The exhibits have been secured for forensic examination as investigations continue.

Those arrested include Teslim Igbalaye, 57; Akande Taiwo, 60; Oladele Abiodun, 38; Adeyemo Lukman, 45; Olaoye Muftau, 50; and Aderemi Musliu, 40. Police said all the suspects were found on the premises during the operation and are currently in lawful custody.

The command stated that the recovered cash and voter register have raised concerns over possible violations of the Electoral Act 2022, including allegations of voter inducement, criminal conspiracy, and the possible harbouring of a wanted suspect.

Police added that further charges could emerge depending on the outcome of ongoing forensic examinations and the evidence gathered during the investigation.

Commissioner of Police Ibrahim Gotan reaffirmed the command's commitment to impartial law enforcement, stressing that no individual, regardless of political position or social status, is above the law.

He assured residents that anyone found culpable at the conclusion of investigations would be prosecuted in accordance with the Constitution and other applicable laws.

The investigation remains ongoing as authorities seek to determine the source of the recovered funds, the purpose of the electoral materials, and whether additional individuals are connected to the alleged offences.