RismadarVoice Reporters, July 30, 2026
The Osun State Police Command has confirmed the arrest and detention of the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Teslim Igbalaye, along with five other individuals, following a raid on his residence in Osogbo.
According to the command, the operation was carried out based on intelligence suggesting that suspected members of a criminal network were hiding at the location.
During the raid, officers allegedly arrested Oladele Abiodun, who police described as a suspect on their watchlist over alleged criminal offences.
The Police Public Relations Officer, Abiodun Ojelabi, said the operation also led to the arrest of Akande Taiwo, Adeyemo Lukman, Olaoye Muftau and Aderemi Musliu.
Items recovered from the residence, according to the police, include ₦4.81 million in cash, two Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), a voter register covering Wards 1 to 15, a Dynabook laptop, a photocopier and a printer.
The command said the recovered items have been taken into police custody for forensic examination as investigations continue.
Police stated that the discoveries have raised concerns about possible electoral offences, including alleged vote-buying, criminal conspiracy, and harbouring a wanted suspect. Investigators are also examining the source and intended use of the recovered cash and other materials.
The command stressed that no individual is above the law, regardless of political position or status, and assured that anyone found culpable after investigations would be prosecuted in accordance with the law.
It also appealed to residents to remain calm and continue providing useful information to support efforts aimed to maintain and fair election.
Meanwhile, the Osun State Government has condemned the police operation, alleging that officers invaded the SSG’s residence without presenting a valid search warrant.
In a statement issued by the Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Kolapo Alimi, the state government claimed that the residence was stormed by a combined police team led by the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of Operations. It further alleged that everyone found on the premises was arrested during the operation.
The police have yet to respond to the state government’s allegation regarding the absence of a search warrant.
