Police Arrest Osun SSG, Recover N4.8m, Others

The Osun State Police Command has arrested the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Teslim Igbalaye, and five others over alleged vote buying, following the recovery of N4.8 million and other electoral materials from a residence linked to the government official in Osogbo.

The police said the operation was carried out after receiving what it described as credible intelligence about the activities of a criminal gang allegedly operating around the Oroki Estate area of Osogbo, leading operatives to a residential property linked to the SSG.

According to the command’s spokesperson, Abiodun Ojelabi, the operation also led to the arrest of a suspect identified as Abiodun Arowomole, popularly known as “Ashipa,” who was said to be on the police watchlist over alleged involvement in serious criminal offences, including murder.

ALSO READ: 100 Days In Office: Bibire Lights Up Oke-Ayo, Appeals For Votes For APM Candidates

The police disclosed that items recovered during the operation included N4,810,500 cash, a Dynabook laptop, a photocopy machine, a printer, two Permanent Voter Cards and voter registers covering Wards 1 to 15.

The suspects arrested alongside the SSG were identified as Teslim Igbalaye, Akande Taiwo, Oladele Abiodun, Adeyemo Lukman, Olaoye Muftau and Aderemi Musiliu.

The command said the recovered materials had been secured for forensic examination and further investigation to determine their source, intended use and possible connection to electoral offences.

Police said the allegations being investigated include bribery of voters under Section 121 of the Electoral Act 2022, criminal conspiracy and alleged harbouring or concealment of a wanted suspect, adding that further offences could emerge as investigations continue.

ALSO READ: 100 Days In Office: Bibire Lights Up Oke-Ayo, Appeals For Votes For APM Candidates

The development comes ahead of the Osun governorship election scheduled for August 15, 2026, with political tension already rising between major political actors in the state.

The Osun State Government, however, has challenged the police account of the incident, alleging that the SSG’s residence was invaded without a search warrant and describing the operation as unlawful.

The government claimed that officials were holding a political meeting at the residence when the police arrived, while the SSG was attending an Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) stakeholders’ meeting at the time of the operation.

ALSO READ: 100 Days In Office: Bibire Lights Up Oke-Ayo, Appeals For Votes For APM Candidates

The police maintained that the investigation was ongoing and assured residents that no individual, regardless of political status or public office, would be above the law if found culpable.

The command urged residents to remain calm and provide credible information that could assist security agencies in ensuring a peaceful, free and credible electoral process in the state.

ADVERTISE WITH US

Do you want to reach your targeted audience and expand your brand’s visibility?

Advertise with Polity Reporters to place your “message” before the right audience.

For advertising enquiries, reach us through:

Email: bandcommunications001@gmail.com

Facebook: Polity Reporters

WhatsApp: 07043810558

“Journalism is what we need to make democracy work.”

“News is what somebody somewhere wants to suppress; all the rest is advertising.”

“Journalism can never be silent: that is its greatest virtue and its greatest fault.”

“The duty of a journalist is to convey the truth as clearly and fully as possible.”

“Good journalism is about results. It is about affecting your community or your society in the most progressive way.”

“Journalism is printing what someone else does not want printed; everything else is public relations.”

“A free press is not a privilege but an organic necessity in a great society.”

“The press was to serve the governed, not the governors.”

“Journalism without a moral position is impossible.”

“The function of journalism is to comfort the afflicted and afflict the comfortable.”

Polity Reporters

Polity Reporters brings you news from Nigeria and around the world. The team follows developments closely and reports in a way that helps readers understand what is happening locally and internationally. Every piece is clear, reliable, and useful for anyone who wants to stay informed.