JUST IN: Police release Osun SSG

The Secretary to the Osun State Government, Teslim Igbalaiye, has been released by the Osun State Police Command, following his arrest and detention along with five others at his residence in Osogbo.

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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 release was announced by Pelumi Olajengbesi, spokesperson for the Imole Campaign Council, who thanked the Inspector General of Police and the Osun State Commissioner of Police for responding to the demand for Igbalaiye's release. "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 stated on Facebook.

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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.

The Osun State Police Command, through its spokesperson Abiodun Ojelabi, confirmed the release. The police had stated that the raid on Igbalaiye's residence on Wednesday was conducted based on intelligence regarding a suspect on the police watchlist in connection with criminal offenses. Among the items recovered from the residence were N4,810,500 in cash, two Permanent Voter Cards, a voter register, a laptop, a photocopy machine, and a printer.

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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.

Ojelabi explained that the operation targeted a location where a criminal gang was reportedly hibernating. The recovered exhibits, particularly the cash and the voter register, have raised serious concerns about possible electoral offenses, including vote buying, contrary to Section 121 of the Electoral Act, 2022. Investigations are ongoing to determine the full extent of any criminal activities.

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The recovery of the cash and the register containing voters’ details raises serious concerns regarding possible electoral offences and other criminal activities.