Barely three weeks to the Osun State Governorship election slated for August 15th, 2026 the Osun State Police Command has arrested the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Teslim Igbalaye, along with five other persons during a raid linked to an investigation into alleged vote buying in Osogbo.
The arrest was confirmed on Wednesday in a statement by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Abiodun Ojelabi, on behalf of the Commissioner of Police, CP Ibrahim Gotan.
According to the police, the operation followed credible intelligence about a suspected criminal group operating around Oroki Estate in Osogbo.
Officers stormed a residential property linked to the SSG while searching for a suspect, Abiodun Arowomole alias “Ashipa,” who is on the police watch list for alleged serious crimes including murder.
During the raid, police said they recovered several items including N4,810,500 in cash, One Dynabook laptop, One photocopy machine and one printer, Two Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), A voter register containing details of Wards 1 to 15
“The command stated that all recovered items have been secured for forensic examination and further investigation,”the statement said.
The police confirmed that six people found inside the premises were taken into custody. They are Teslim Igbalaye 57, SSG , Akande Taiwo – 60 , Oladele Abiodun – 38, Adeyemo, Lukman- 45, Olaoye Muftau- 50 and Aderemi Musliu – 40
Investigators said the discovery of the cash and voter register raised concerns about possible electoral offences.
_“The recovery of the cash and the register containing voters’ details raises serious concerns regarding possible electoral offences and other criminal activities,”_ the statement noted.
Police said detectives are probing possible violations of the *Electoral Act 2022*, including alleged bribery of voters through money or other inducements. They are also investigating criminal conspiracy and alleged harbouring of a wanted suspect.
The command added that more offences could be uncovered as forensic examinations continue.
_“These are serious allegations with far-reaching implications for public security, the administration of justice, and the credibility of the democratic process,”_ the police said.
CP Gotan assured residents that efforts are ongoing to identify everyone connected to the recovered items and determine the source and intended use of the money.
_“I wish to assure the good people of Osun State that the Nigeria Police Force remains steadfast in its constitutional responsibility to enforce the law without fear or favour. No individual, irrespective of social status, political affiliation or public office, is above the law. Any person found culpable at the conclusion of investigations will be prosecuted in accordance with the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and all applicable laws,”_ he said
