Osun SSG Released from Police Custody as Investigation into Alleged Electoral Offences Continues
Osun SSG Released from Police Custody as Investigation into Alleged Electoral Offences Continues
The Secretary to the Osun State Government (SSG), Teslim Igbalaye, has been released from police custody, less than 24 hours after his arrest during a police operation at his residence in Osogbo, the Osun State capital. His release was confirmed by the Osun State Police Command and the Imole Campaign Council, the organisation coordinating Governor Ademola Adeleke’s re-election campaign.
Igbalaye was arrested alongside five other individuals during a raid conducted by police operatives following intelligence reports of alleged criminal activities linked to the premises. During the operation, officers recovered ₦4.81 million in cash, two Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), a voter register covering Wards 1 to 15, a Dynabook laptop, a photocopy machine and a printer, which police said are being examined as part of an ongoing investigation into alleged electoral offences.
Announcing the SSG’s release, the spokesperson for the Imole Campaign Council, Pelumi Olajengbesi, expressed appreciation to the Inspector-General of Police and the Osun State Commissioner of Police for what he described as a commitment to justice and the rule of law. He welcomed Igbalaye’s release, describing it as a positive development for the state.
Although Igbalaye has regained his freedom, the police have not indicated that the investigation has been concluded. Authorities maintained that the recovered exhibits remain in police custody for forensic examination as detectives continue probing allegations bordering on possible vote-buying, criminal conspiracy and the alleged harbouring of a wanted suspect.
Police spokesperson Abiodun Ojelabi reiterated that the operation was intelligence-driven and carried out in line with the law, dismissing suggestions that the raid was politically motivated. He said anyone found culpable after the completion of investigations would be prosecuted in accordance with the provisions of the law.
The arrest and subsequent release of the Osun SSG have intensified political debate in the state ahead of the forthcoming governorship election, with both the government and opposition closely monitoring the outcome of the ongoing police investigation.
