The police have arrested a People’s Democratic Party House of Representatives’ aspirant in Osogbo Federal constituency, Osun State, Moshood Adejare, and 15 others for allegedly being in possession of customised Independent National Electoral Commission tags.
They were also found with face caps and jackets with the inscription, ‘INEC Osun 2018 Election Observer’ and PDP membership cards.
The Police Public Relations Officer, Department of Operations, force headquarters, Abuja, SP Folasade Odoro, said in a statement on Thursday that the suspects were using the items to gain easy access to restricted areas meant for personnel with due accreditation.
It explained that the suspects were caught by policemen on ‘stop and search’ duties.
Other suspects arrested alongside Adejare included PDP members in Orolu LGA, Oyelayo Dayo; Olaoye Asimi; Raimi Taofeeq (Secretary); Gbenga Olapade; Charles Amibiogoiu; Ayomide Ayansola and Kayode Dada.
Others were Daramola Segun; Tunji Akinroyinmi; Kunle Adedeji; Habeeb Bahiru;Yisa Sodiq; Adeolu Bamijoko; Oladipo Samson and Adeolu Bamidele.
The force said, “Police team on ‘stop and search’ duties at Orolu intercepted vehicles with 16 persons on board in possession of customised INEC tags, face cap and jackets with the inscription, ‘INEC Osun 2018 Election Observer’ and PDP membership cards.
“The suspects are using the items to have easy access to restricted areas meant for personnel with due accreditation.”
The statement refuted reports that some accredited INEC observers were arrested or denied access to polling units.
Police assured Osun electorate and other critical stakeholders of its “renewed commitment and resolve to ensure adequate security for a free and fair rerun election while the investigation continues.”
Sources- Punch