Osun Vote-Buying Crisis: Police Raid SSG's Home, Seize Millions in Bribery Probe

The Osun State Police Command has confirmed the arrest of the Secretary to the Osun State Government (SSG), Teslim Igbalaye, along with several other individuals, in connection with an alleged vote-buying investigation in Osogbo. This significant development stems from a police operation conducted at a residential property linked to Igbalaye in the Oroki Estate area of Osogbo. During the raid, officers reportedly recovered a substantial sum of money, electoral materials, and other exhibits suspected to be involved in electoral malpractices.

According to the command’s spokesperson, DSP Abiodun Ojelabi, speaking on behalf of Commissioner of Police CP Ibrahim Gotan, the operation was initiated based on "credible and actionable intelligence" concerning a criminal gang active in the Oroki Estate. The primary target of the operation was a residential property linked to the SSG, specifically to locate a suspect identified as Abiodun Arowomole, also known as ‘Ashipa’, who is reportedly on the police watch list for alleged involvement in serious criminal offences, including murder.

During the search, police officers recovered N4,810,500 in cash, one Dynabook laptop, one photocopy machine, one printer, two Permanent Voter Cards, and a voter register covering Wards 1 to 15. The command confirmed the arrest of Igbalaye, 57, along with Akande Taiwo, 60; Oladele Abiodun, 38; Adeyemo Lukman, 45; Olaoye Muftau, 50; and Aderemi Musliu, 40. These suspects were found within the premises and subsequently taken into lawful custody. All recovered items have been secured for forensic examination and further investigation, as stated by the police.

The recovery of cash and the voter register has raised serious concerns regarding possible electoral offences and other criminal activities. Investigators are actively examining potential breaches of the Electoral Act 2022, particularly allegations of voter bribery through the distribution of money or other inducements intended to influence voting decisions. Additionally, the scope of inquiry includes possible criminal conspiracy and the alleged harbouring or concealment of a wanted suspect. The police indicated that further offences might emerge as the investigations progress and forensic analyses are concluded.

Emphasizing the gravity of the allegations, the Osun State Police Command underscored their "far-reaching implications for public security, the administration of justice, and the credibility of the democratic process." CP Gotan assured the public of the Nigeria Police Force’s commitment to enforcing the law impartially, stating, "No individual, irrespective of social status, political affiliation or public office, is above the law. Any person found culpable at the conclusion of investigations will be prosecuted in accordance with the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and all applicable laws."

In a sharply contrasting narrative, the Osun State Government vehemently accused the Nigeria Police Force of orchestrating a series of "coordinated raids" on the homes of top government officials. Through a statement issued by the Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Oluomo Kolapo Alimi, the government alleged that these police operations involved invasions of residences without search warrants, arbitrary arrests of residents, and a clear targeting of senior members of the administration.

The government claimed the raid on SSG Igbalaye's residence was led by the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of Operations, and that family members of the SSG were arrested and taken to undisclosed locations. This incident, according to the government, was not isolated, but followed similar operations conducted at the homes of approximately six commissioners and other senior officials. It was noted that at the time of the raid on his home, SSG Igbalaye was attending a stakeholders' forum organized by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), while ward officials were holding a meeting within his premises.

Further allegations from the state government included a raid on the residence of the Commissioner for Energy in Ikire, where properties were reportedly damaged. Five other commissioners also reported that their homes had either been placed under surveillance or invaded despite no illegal activities taking place. The government also highlighted the arrest and detention of several members of the Accord Party at the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) of the Osun State Police Command, allegedly without bail.

Describing the police operations as "politically motivated," the Osun State Government explicitly accused the state police command of acting in the interest of the All Progressives Congress (APC). The government declared these raids an "aggravated assault on the government and people of Osun state" and a "campaign of repression" that poses a "grave danger to democracy." It further lambasted the police for what it called "reprehensible unprofessional conduct" and demonstrated "partisanship," asserting that the police had become a "direct tool in the hands of Osun APC" and were acting "lawless" against constitutional principles.

Expressing profound concern that these alleged raids coincided with the INEC Chairman's meeting with stakeholders ahead of the state's electoral process, the Osun State Government branded the police as a "major threat to the conduct of free and fair election in Osun State." The government urgently called upon traditional rulers, the Police Service Commission, the Inspector-General of Police, the National Security Adviser, and President Bola Tinubu to intervene, warning that the escalating situation could lead to a broader breakdown of law and order. Governor Ademola Adeleke has consistently urged residents to maintain calm and avoid vigilantism.