THE Secretary to the Osun State Government (SSG), Teslim Igbalaiye, has been released by the Osun State Police Command following his arrest and detention during a police raid on his residence in Osogbo.
News Point Nigeria reports that Igbalaiye’s release was announced on Thursday by Pelumi Olajengbesi, spokesperson for the Imole Campaign Council, the group leading the re-election campaign of Governor Ademola Adeleke.
Olajengbesi disclosed the development in a post on his verified Facebook page, expressing appreciation to the leadership of the Nigeria Police Force for securing the SSG’s release.
“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 unlawful arrest of the Secretary to the State Government, Chief Igbalaye Teslim.
“The Nigerian Police Force best serves the nation when it stands against oppression and upholds justice and the rule of law. Welcome back, Chief Igbalaye Teslim. Your courage and sacrifice for the people of Osun State will not be forgotten. Our SSG is out, back and solid,” Olajengbesi wrote.
The spokesperson for the Osun State Police Command, Abiodun Ojelabi, also confirmed Igbalaiye’s release during a telephone conversation with journalists in Osogbo.
The release came a day after the police arrested Igbalaiye and five other persons during a raid on his residence in Osogbo.
The police had stated that one of those arrested at the SSG’s residence was Oladele Abiodun, a suspect on its watchlist in connection with alleged criminal offences.
According to the police, officers also recovered ₦4,810,500 in cash, two Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), a voter register, a Dynabook laptop, one photocopy machine and one printer from Igbalaiye’s residence.
Others arrested alongside the SSG were identified as Akande Taiwo, 60; Adeyemo Lukman, 45; Olaoye Muftau, 50; and Aderemi Musliu, 40.
The Police Public Relations Officer explained that the operation followed intelligence reports indicating that members of a criminal gang were hiding at a location in Osogbo, prompting officers to carry out what he described as a lawful raid.
He said, “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 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 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; harbouring or concealing a wanted criminal, where any individual is found to have knowingly sheltered or assisted a fugitive from justice; and any other offences that may be disclosed upon the conclusion of the ongoing investigation.”
The SSG’s release came hours after the Speaker of the Osun State House of Assembly, Adewale Egbedun, alleged that the arrest was ordered by the state Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Gotan, following an incident at an Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) stakeholders’ meeting.
Egbedun claimed the commissioner directed the arrest after he was booed by some attendees and allegedly noticed Igbalaiye laughing during the incident.
He further alleged that the SSG was later informed that police officers were waiting at his residence.
The Osun State Police Command, however, maintained that the raid and subsequent arrests were intelligence-driven and were based on information linking the suspects to alleged criminal activities and possible electoral offences, adding that investigations remain ongoing.