THE Nigeria Police Force, Osun State Command, has arrested the Secretary to the State Government of Osun State, Teslim Igbalaye, along with five other persons, over alleged possession of Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), a cash sum of ₦4,810,500, Laptop, others.
This was contained in a statement issued by the State Police Public Relations Officer, Abiodun Ojelabi on Wednesday in Osogbo, the State capital.
According to the PPRO, operatives of the command carried out a lawful operation following actionable intelligence that a criminal gang was hibernating around the Oroki Estate area of Osogbo.
During the operation, one of the suspects, identified as Abiodun Arowomole, popularly known as “Ashipa,” who had been on the command’s watchlist for alleged involvement in serious criminal offences, including murder, was traced to a residential property linked to the Secretary to the Osun State Government (SSG).
The Police stated that the recovery of the cash and a register containing voters’ details raised suspicions of possible vote buying, contrary to Section 121 of the Electoral Act, 2022.
They added that the ongoing investigation also covers allegations of criminal conspiracy and harbouring a wanted criminal.
Exhibit recovered include; 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.
“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 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.
The suspect was found within the premises during the operation and has since been taken into lawful custody.
“The recovery of the cash and the register containing voters’ details raises serious concerns regarding possible electoral offences and other criminal activities. While investigations are still ongoing, the facts presently available disclose reasonable grounds to investigate the commission of offences which may 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.
Any other offences that may be disclosed upon the conclusion of the ongoing investigation”.
The Osun State Police Command wishes to emphasize that these are serious allegations with far-reaching implications for public security, the administration of justice, and the credibility of the democratic process. 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”.
The Command also urges members of the public to remain calm, law-abiding, and to continue providing credible information that will assist the Police in preventing crime and ensuring peaceful, free, fair, and credible electoral processes.