By Peace Erewunmi

The Osun State Police Command has confirmed the arrest of the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Hon. Teslim Igbalaye, and five other suspects during an operation in Osogbo as part of an ongoing investigation into alleged electoral offences and other criminal activities ahead of the August 15 governorship election.

According to the police, the operation followed credible intelligence indicating that a wanted suspect, Abiodun Arowomole, popularly known as “Ashipa,” who is wanted over alleged murder and other offences, was hiding at a property linked to the SSG in the Oroki Estate area of Osogbo. During the raid, officers arrested the SSG alongside five other individuals.

The police said exhibits recovered from the premises included ₦4.81 million in cash, two Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), voter registers covering Wards 1–15 in Osogbo Local Government Area, a laptop, a printer and a photocopying machine. The items have been taken into police custody for forensic examination as investigations continue.

The Command stated that investigators are examining possible offences, including vote buying, criminal conspiracy, and harbouring a wanted suspect, adding that anyone found culpable would be prosecuted in accordance with the law. It stressed that no individual is above the law regardless of political affiliation or public office.

Reacting to the development, the Osun State Government condemned the police operation, describing it as politically motivated. The government said the SSG was attending an INEC stakeholders’ meeting when the raid took place and alleged that the operation was part of a pattern of intimidation targeting government officials ahead of the governorship election.