- Safiu Kehinde
The Osun State Police Command has confirmed the arrest of the Secretary to the State Government, Teslim Igbalaye over alleged vote buying and habouring of wanted criminal amongst other allegations.
NPO Reported that the police had yesterday stormed the residence of Igbalaye where six suspects, including the SSG, were arrested.
The police reportedly recovered a total of N4.8 million, two voters’ card, and a voter register amongst other items during the raid.
Confirming the development in a statement issued on Wednesday evening, the Osun Police spokesperson, Abiodun Ojelade, recounted how the police operatives had stormed the residents.
Ojelade disclosed that among the suspects arrested at the residence was one Abiodun Arowomole, popularly known as Ashipa, who had been on the police watch-list over serious criminal offences including murder.
‘Acting on credible and actionable intelligence that some criminal gang were hibernating around Oroki Estate Area, Osogbo, operatives of the Command carried out a lawful operation within the environs while one suspect identified as Abiodun Arowomole, popularly known as “Ashipa,” who has been on the watch-list in connection with serious criminal offences including murder and others at a residential property linked to the Secretary to the State Government (SSG) of Osun State.
‘During the operation, officers recovered exhibits comprising cash sum of four million eight hundred ten thousand, five hundred naira (N4,810,500), one Dynabook Laptop, one Photocopy Machine, one Printer, two Voter’s Card and voter register for ward 1-15.
‘These exhibits have been secured and are currently in police custody for detailed forensic examination and further investigation.’ The police spokesperson wrote.
Other suspects arrested alongside Igbalaye and Arowomole were Akande Taiwo. Oladele Abiodun, Adeyemo Lukman, Olaoye Muftau, and Aderemi Musliu.
The police maintained that the recovery of the cash and the register containing voters’ details raises serious concerns regarding possible electoral offences and other criminal activities ahead of the August 15 Governorship Election.
While investigations are still ongoing, Ojelabi highlighted claims presently available which he described as reasonable grounds to probe the suspects.
These, according to the spokesperson include;
‘Bribery of Voters (Vote Buying) contrary to Section 121 of the Electoral Act, 2022, arising from the alleged distribution of money or other inducements to registered voters for the purpose of influencing their voting decisions.
‘Criminal Conspiracy, where two or more persons are found to have agreed to commit an unlawful act.
‘Harboring or Concealing a Wanted Criminal, where any individual is found to have knowingly sheltered or assisted a fugitive from justice.’ He stated.
The Osun State Police Command spokesperson reiterated that these are serious allegations with far-reaching implications for public security, the administration of justice, and the credibility of the democratic process.
He assured the Osun state residents of the Nigeria Police Force’s commitment to enforce the law without fear or favour, stressing that investigations are currently ongoing to establish the source of the fund recovered at the SSG’s house and its intended use.
‘Accordingly, investigations are being intensified to identify all persons connected with the recovered exhibits, establish the source and intended use of the recovered funds, and determine the full extent of any criminal enterprise.
‘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, affection or ill will.
‘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.’ Ojelabi said.