The Osun State Police Command has confirmed the arrest of the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Teslim Igbalaye, and five other persons following a police operation at his residence in Osogbo, where officers allegedly recovered cash, Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) and election-related materials.
The confirmation comes hours after the Osun State Government accused the police of unlawfully invading the homes of top government officials, including that of the SSG, describing the operation as politically motivated.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Abiodun Ojelabi, said the operation was carried out based on credible intelligence aimed at apprehending a suspected gang leader identified as Abiodun Arowomole, popularly known as “Ashipa.”
According to the police, operatives stormed Igbalaye’s residence at Oroki Estate, Osogbo, during the search for the wanted suspect.
“The operation, carried out by police operatives on credible intelligence, was primarily aimed at apprehending a suspected gang leader,” Ojelabi said.
The command disclosed that during the operation, officers recovered ₦4,810,500 in cash, a laptop computer, printing equipment, two Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) and a voter register covering Wards 1 to 15.
Police said the SSG and five other suspects were taken into custody as investigations continue into the recovered items and their possible connection to the ongoing probe.
The arrest has heightened political tension in Osun State ahead of the August 15 governorship election.
Earlier on Wednesday, the Osun State Government alleged that police officers invaded the SSG’s residence without a search warrant and arrested members of his household, accusing the command of targeting officials of the state government.
The police, however, maintained that the operation was intelligence-driven and formed part of efforts to apprehend a wanted suspect while investigating items recovered during the raid.
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