Osun poll: 295 suspects arrested – Police

Nigerian police apprehended 295 individuals in connection with various incidents during the Osun State governorship election held on Saturday. The majority of those arrested, 293 suspects, have since been released on bail following a screening process. However, two individuals remain in custody, facing further investigation and potential prosecution for their alleged offenses.

The arrests were part of a broader security strategy implemented across the state to ensure a peaceful and credible election. Security agencies heightened surveillance and enforcement measures to deter violence, vote-buying, and other electoral malpractices. The police had previously issued warnings to political actors, supporters, and stakeholders, emphasizing that any violation of electoral laws would result in arrest and prosecution.

Force spokesman Ani Iniedu confirmed that the two suspects still in custody would undergo thorough investigation before facing charges. He stated, "295 suspects were arrested during the election, and 293 have been released on bail after screening. So we have two of them in custody for prosecution."

Meanwhile, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps reported making no arrests. Its spokesman, Afolabi Babawale, explained that comprehensive security structures were established at local government and ward levels to deter troublemakers and respond swiftly to threats. The corps deployed armed and unarmed personnel to safeguard polling units and electoral materials, utilizing a multi-layered security architecture.

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295 suspects were arrested during the election, and 293 have been released on bail after screening. So we have two of them in custody for prosecution.