The Osun State Police Command has arrested and detained the Secretary to the Osun State Government, Teslim Igbalaye, and five other suspects after raiding his residence in Osogbo.
During the operation, police recovered millions of naira in cash, voter cards and other items that are now being investigated as possible evidence of electoral offences.
The command said the raid followed intelligence reports that members of a criminal gang were hiding at the residence.
According to the police, one of those arrested, Oladele Abiodun, was already on its watchlist over alleged criminal offences.
In a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, Abiodun Ojelabi, the command said officers also arrested Akande Taiwo, Adeyemo Lukman, Olaoye Muftau and Aderemi Musliu.
Police said they recovered ₦4,810,500 in cash, one Dynabook laptop, one photocopy machine, one printer, two Permanent Voter Cards and a voter register covering Wards 1 to 15.
“The operation also led to the arrest of the following suspects: Hon Igbalaye Teslim ‘m’ 47years, One Akande Taiwo ‘m’ 60years, Oladele Abiodun ‘m’ 38years, Adeyemo Lukman ‘m’ 45years, Olaoye Muftau ‘m’ 50years, Aderemi Musliu ‘m’ 40years.
“During the operation, officers recovered exhibits comprising cash sum of four million eight hundred and ten thousand, five hundred naira (N4,810,500), one Dynabook laptop, one photocopy machine, one printer, two Voter’s Cards and a voter register for Wards 1-15.”
The police said all the recovered items have been secured and are in police custody for forensic examination and further investigation.
According to the command, the recovery of the cash and voter register has raised concerns about possible electoral offences and other criminal activities.
“The recovery of the cash and the register containing voters’ details raises serious concerns regarding possible electoral offences and other criminal activities,” the statement said.
The police added that preliminary investigations provided reasonable grounds to investigate possible offences, including alleged vote-buying under Section 121 of the Electoral Act 2022, criminal conspiracy, harbouring or concealing a wanted criminal and any other offences that may be uncovered during the investigation.
The command said investigators are working to identify everyone connected to the recovered items, trace the source and intended use of the money and determine whether a wider criminal network exists.
“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,” the statement added.
The police stressed that no one is above the law, regardless of political affiliation, social status or public office, and assured that anyone found guilty after investigations would be prosecuted according to the law.
The command also urged members of the public to remain calm and continue providing credible information that would help security agencies prevent crime and ensure peaceful, free, fair and credible elections.
Reacting to the raid, the Osun State Government accused the police of invading the residence of the Secretary to the State Government without obtaining a search warrant.
In a statement signed by the Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Kolapo Alimi, the government alleged 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.
The development comes as political activities intensify ahead of the August 15, 2026, Osun State governorship election.
Hours before the arrests, the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, declared that the party would reclaim Osun State, describing the governorship election as a major test ahead of the 2027 general elections.
However, supporters of Governor Ademola Adeleke dismissed the APC’s confidence, insisting that the outcome of the election would be decided by the people of Osun State rather than the political strength of any party.
