- Government alleges illegal operation
A major political and legal controversy has erupted in Osun State after the Nigeria Police arrested the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Teslim Igbalaye, and five other persons during a raid on his residence in Osogbo, recovering millions of naira, voter-related materials and office equipment that investigators say could be linked to alleged electoral offences.
The operation, carried out on Wednesday by operatives of the Osun State Police Command, has triggered a sharp confrontation between the police and the Osun State Government, with authorities accusing the security agency of conducting an unlawful invasion of the SSG’s residence without a search warrant.
The conflicting narratives have raised fresh questions over the legality of the operation, the purpose of the recovered items and the possible implications for electoral integrity in the state.
Police Say Intelligence Led to Raid
According to the Osun State Police Command, the operation followed intelligence reports that suspected members of a criminal gang were hiding at a location in Osogbo.
Police spokesperson, Abiodun Ojelabi, said officers executed what he described as a lawful raid, leading to the arrest of six individuals, including the SSG.
Those arrested were identified as: Teslim Igbalaye, 47; Akande Taiwo, 60; Oladele Abiodun, 38; Adeyemo Lukman, 45; Olaoye Muftau, 50; Aderemi Musliu, 40
Investigators disclosed that one of those arrested, Oladele Abiodun, had previously been placed on the police watchlist over alleged criminal activities.
Cash, Voter Register and PVCs Recovered
Police said officers recovered several items during the operation, including: N4,810,500 in cash; Two Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs); A voter register covering Wards 1–15; One Dynabook laptop; One photocopy machine; One printer
The exhibits have been taken into police custody for forensic examination as investigators seek to determine their ownership, intended use and possible connection to criminal activities.
The recovery of both cash and election-related materials from the premises has become the focal point of the investigation.
Police Probe Possible Electoral Crimes
The command said preliminary findings provide reasonable grounds to investigate several possible offences under Nigerian law.
Among the offences listed by investigators are alleged vote-buying under Section 121 of the Electoral Act 2022, criminal conspiracy and harbouring a wanted suspect.
Police said investigators would also determine whether additional offences emerge during the course of the investigation.
The command stressed that no conclusions have yet been reached and that investigations remain ongoing.
Electoral Questions Emerge
The discovery of a voter register covering multiple wards alongside substantial cash has intensified public scrutiny.
While possession of voter registers is not automatically a criminal offence under every circumstance, investigators are examining whether the materials were being used in connection with alleged voter inducement or other electoral violations.
Security analysts note that the outcome of forensic examinations and witness interviews will be crucial in determining whether criminal charges related to election offences can be sustained.
Police Insist Nobody Is Above the Law
The Osun State Police Command maintained that public office does not shield anyone from criminal investigation.
The command stated that any individual found culpable after investigations would be prosecuted in accordance with the Constitution and applicable laws.
Police also appealed to residents to remain calm, cooperate with investigators and continue providing credible information capable of preventing crime and safeguarding the electoral process.
Osun Government Rejects Police Narrative
The Osun State Government has, however, strongly challenged the police account of events.
In a statement issued by the Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Kolapo Alimi, the government alleged that police officers stormed the residence of the Secretary to the State Government without obtaining a valid search warrant.
According to the state government, the operation was led by the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of Operations and involved a combined security team.
The government further alleged that everyone present on the premises at the time was arrested during what it described as an unlawful invasion.
While the government questioned the legality of the operation, it did not directly address the police claims regarding the recovery of cash, voter-related materials and electronic equipment.
Investigation Continues Amid Political Tension
The incident has added another layer of political tension in Osun State, with both the police and the state government presenting sharply different versions of the operation.
As forensic analysis continues and investigators question those arrested, attention is expected to focus on whether prosecutors can establish any link between the recovered materials and alleged electoral offences.
For now, no court has determined the guilt or innocence of any of the suspects, and the police investigation remains ongoing. Both the police and the Osun State Government are expected to provide further updates as the case develops.