Police Raid Osun SSG’s Residence, Recover ₦4.81m, Voter Register

The Osun State Police Command has detained the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Teslim Igbalaye, along with five other suspects over alleged electoral and criminal offences following a raid on his residence in Osogbo

According to the police, the operation was carried out on Wednesday based on credible intelligence and led to the arrest of Oladele Abiodun, a suspect said to be on the command’s wanted list, alongside Igbalaye and four others.

The police said officers recovered ₦4.81 million in cash, two Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), a voter register covering Wards 1 to 15, a Dynabook laptop, a photocopier and a printer during the operation.

The other suspects were identified as Akande Taiwo, 60; Adeyemo Lukman, 45; Olaoye Muftau, 50; and Aderemi Musliu, 40.

In a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, Abiodun Ojelabi, the command said the raid followed intelligence reports that suspected members of a criminal gang were hiding in the area.

The statement noted that all recovered items had been taken into police custody for forensic examination as investigators seek to establish their connection with alleged electoral offences and other criminal activities.

According to the police, the recovery of the cash and the voter register raises concerns over possible electoral malpractice, including vote-buying, as well as other criminal offences.

The suspects are currently being investigated for alleged violations, including vote-buying, contrary to Section 121 of the Electoral Act 2022, criminal conspiracy, and harbouring a wanted suspect The command added that additional charges could be filed depending on the outcome of ongoing investigations.

Police also said investigators were working to determine the source and intended use of the recovered cash, identify all persons linked to the exhibits, and uncover the full extent of the alleged criminal activities.

The command reaffirmed its commitment to impartial law enforcement, stressing that no individual, regardless of political affiliation or public office, is above the law and that anyone found culpable would be prosecuted.

It also urged residents to remain calm and continue providing useful information to support efforts aimed at ensuring peaceful and credible electoral processes.

However, the Osun State Government criticised the operation, alleging that the police invaded the official residence of the SSG without obtaining a search warrant.

In a statement, the Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Kolapo Alimi, claimed that a combined team of police officers led by the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of Operations forced their way into the residence and arrested those present without following due process.

The incident has further heightened tensions between the Osun State Government and the police as investigations into the allegations continue.