Osun SSG Regains Freedom After Police Detention Over Vote-Buying Probe

According to Ireporter Online, the development was confirmed on Thursday by Pelumi Olajengbesi, spokesperson for the Imole Campaign Council, which is responsible for coordinating Governor Ademola Adeleke’s re-election campaign.

Olajengbesi expressed appreciation to the Inspector-General of Police and the Osun State Commissioner of Police for responding to public concerns and releasing the SSG.

He described the development as a victory for justice and the rule of law, adding that law enforcement agencies must uphold fairness and protect citizens’ rights.

“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,” he stated.

The spokesperson of the Osun State Police Command, DSP Abiodun Ojelabi, also confirmed that Igbalaiye had been released.

The SSG was arrested alongside five other individuals on Wednesday after police operatives carried out a raid at his residence in Osogbo.

The police had earlier stated that the operation followed intelligence reports concerning the activities of a suspected criminal group allegedly linked to the location.

According to the command, those arrested alongside Igbalaiye included Akande Taiwo, Oladele Abiodun, Adeyemo Lukman, Olaoye Muftau and Aderemi Musliu.

Police authorities said one of the individuals arrested, Oladele Abiodun, was on their watchlist over alleged involvement in serious criminal activities.

During the operation, officers reportedly recovered ₦4.81 million in cash, a Dynabook laptop, a photocopy machine, a printer, two Permanent Voter Cards and a voter register covering Wards 1 to 15.

The command said the recovered items had been secured for forensic analysis as investigations continued.

Police authorities explained that the discovery of cash and electoral materials raised concerns over possible violations of the Electoral Act 2022, including allegations of voter inducement and other electoral offences.

The command added that investigators were also examining possible cases of criminal conspiracy and allegations bordering on concealing a wanted suspect.

The police assured that the investigation would continue to determine the circumstances surrounding the recovered items and identify anyone linked to the alleged offences.