Accord party cries foul as police detain Osun SSG, party Members
The Osun State Police Command has confirmed the arrest of the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Teslim Igbalaye, and five other individuals following an intelligence-led operation at a property linked to the government official in Osogbo.
Police said the operation was carried out after intelligence reports indicated that suspected members of a criminal gang were hiding in the Oroki Estate area of the state capital.
In a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Abiodun Ojelabi, the command disclosed that one of those arrested was Oladele Abiodun, popularly known as “Ashipa”, a suspect who had been on the police watchlist over alleged involvement in serious crimes, including murder.
The police identified those arrested as Hon. Teslim Igbalaye, 47; Akande Taiwo, 60; Oladele Abiodun, 38; Adeyemo Lukman, 45; Olaoye Muftau, 50; and Aderemi Musliu, 40.
According to the statement, officers recovered ₦4,810,500 in cash, a Dynabook laptop, a photocopy machine, a printer, two voter cards and a voter register covering Wards 1 to 15 during the operation.
The police said all recovered items had been taken into custody for forensic examination and further investigation.
“The operation also led to the arrest of the following suspects: Hon. Igbalaye Teslim, 47; Akande Taiwo, 60; Oladele Abiodun, 38; Adeyemo Lukman, 45; Olaoye Muftau, 50; and Aderemi Musliu, 40.
“During the operation, officers recovered exhibits comprising a cash sum of four million, eight hundred and ten thousand, five hundred naira (₦4,810,500), one Dynabook laptop, one photocopy machine, one printer, two voter’s cards and a voter register for Wards 1-15.
“These exhibits have been secured and are currently in police custody for detailed forensic examination and further investigation,” the statement said.
The command said the recovery of the cash and voter register had raised concerns over possible electoral offences and other criminal activities.
According to the police, investigations are focusing on allegations that may include vote-buying contrary to Section 121 of the Electoral Act, 2022, criminal conspiracy, harbouring or concealing a wanted suspect, and any other offences that may emerge during the investigation.
“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, criminal conspiracy, harbouring or concealing a wanted criminal, and any other offences that may be disclosed upon the conclusion of the ongoing investigation,” the statement added.
The police said the allegations under investigation carry significant implications for public safety, the justice system and the integrity of the democratic process.
It added that investigators are working to determine the source and intended use of the recovered funds, identify everyone connected to the seized items and establish the full scope of any criminal activity.
The command reiterated that no individual is above the law, regardless of political affiliation, public office or social status, and assured that anyone found culpable would be prosecuted in accordance with the law.
It also appealed to residents to remain peaceful and law-abiding while providing useful information that could assist security agencies in preventing crime and ensuring credible electoral processes across the state.
Meanwhile, the Accord Party has condemned the arrests, alleging intimidation and unlawful detention of its members ahead of the August 15 governorship election in Osun State.
Addressing journalists in Abuja, the spokesperson for the Imole Campaign Council, Pelumi Olajengbesi, called for the immediate redeployment of the Osun State Commissioner of Police, accusing him of orchestrating what he described as unlawful arrests and detention of Accord Party members across the state.
Olajengbesi alleged that 86 people, including party candidates and government officials, had been arrested.
“In the last two or three days, over 86 members of the Accord Party have been arrested for no reason. These people were arrested and brought by road to Abuja and are being detained here unnecessarily,” he said.
“We have met with the leadership of the police and they cannot provide any explanation to us. There is no petition against them. These people have committed no offence. The Commissioner of Police in Osun State is completely compromised.”
He warned that the development could undermine public confidence in the electoral process and called for a level playing field ahead of the governorship poll.
“There is a need for us to have a free, impartial election, an election where people can freely express their will. Just now I have been informed the SSG of Osun State has been arrested for no reason because he was sensitising his people about the election,” he added.
The police, however, maintained that the operation was intelligence-driven and conducted in line with their constitutional responsibility to investigate alleged criminal activities without fear or favour.