The Osun State Police Command has released the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Teslim Igbalaiye, less than 48 hours after his arrest over the alleged possession of voter registers and other election-related materials.
Igbalaiye was arrested alongside five others after police reportedly recovered ₦4.8 million in cash, voter registers covering Wards One to Fifteen in Osogbo Local Government Area and other items during a search of his residence.
Police alleged that the recovered materials included voter cards suspected to have been illegally purchased ahead of the August 15 governorship election in Osun State.
His release was confirmed on Thursday by the spokesperson for the IMOLE Campaign Council, Pelumi Olajengbesi, who welcomed the development and commended the Nigeria Police Force for what he described as its responsiveness to public calls.
“We sincerely appreciate the Inspector-General of Police and the Commissioner of Police, Osun State Command, for listening to the voice of reason despite pressure and for responding to the people’s demand regarding the arrest of the Secretary to the State Government, Chief Igbalaiye Teslim,” the statement read.
“We are pleased that the SSG has now been released by the police. We, however, demand the immediate and unconditional release of all other political detainees still being held.”
The spokesperson for the Osun State Police Command, Abiodun Ojelabi, also confirmed Igbalaiye’s release during a telephone interview with journalists in Osogbo.
The police did not disclose the conditions of his release or indicate whether investigations into the alleged possession of the election materials would continue.