Osun Police Free SSG Igbalaiye After Detention as Investigation Continues

The Osun State Police Command has released the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Teslim Igbalaiye, less than 24 hours after he was arrested during a police operation at his residence in Osogbo.

The development was announced on Thursday by Pelumi Olajengbesi, spokesperson for the Imole Campaign Council, which is coordinating Governor Ademola Adeleke’s re-election campaign.

Sharing the news on his verified Facebook page, Olajengbesi welcomed the SSG’s release and commended the police leadership for what he described as a willingness to heed public appeals.

“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.

Igbalaiye and five other individuals had been arrested on Wednesday after police operatives raided his residence in Osogbo.

According to the police, one of those arrested during the operation, Oladele Abiodun, was on the force’s watchlist over alleged criminal offences.

The command also said officers recovered ₦4,810,500 in cash, two Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), a voter register, a Dynabook laptop, a photocopy machine and a printer from the premises.

Others arrested alongside the SSG were identified as Akande Taiwo, 60; Adeyemo Lukman, 45; Olaoye Muftau, 50; and Aderemi Musliu, 40.

Explaining the operation, Police Public Relations Officer Abiodun Ojelabi said officers acted on intelligence suggesting that suspected criminals were operating from the location.

“During the operation, officers recovered exhibits comprising a cash sum of four million, eight hundred and ten thousand, five hundred naira (N4,810,500), 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 just hours after the Speaker of the Osun State House of Assembly, Adewale Egbedun, alleged that Commissioner of Police Ibrahim Gotan personally ordered Igbalaiye’s arrest following an incident at an Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) stakeholders’ meeting.

According to the Speaker, the commissioner allegedly directed the arrest after he was booed by some participants at the meeting and noticed the SSG laughing during the incident.

Egbedun further claimed that Igbalaiye subsequently received information that police officers were already waiting at his residence.

The Osun State Police Command, however, has maintained that the operation was intelligence-driven and that the arrests were carried out in connection with investigations into alleged criminal activities and possible electoral offences.