BREAKING: Police Arrest Osun SSG, Five Others Over Alleged Electoral, Criminal Offences.
By Bala Salihu Dawakin Kudu | Democracy Newsline
July 30, 2026.
OSOGBO – The Secretary to the Osun State Government (SSG), Teslim Igbalaye, has been arrested alongside five other individuals by the Osun State Police Command following a raid on his residence in Osogbo.
The operation, carried out on Wednesday by police operatives acting on intelligence reports, has sparked widespread public attention and renewed debate over electoral integrity and the rule of law in the state.
According to the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Abiodun Ojelabi, one of those apprehended during the operation, Oladele Abiodun, had been on the command’s watchlist over alleged criminal activities.
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The police identified those arrested as Teslim Igbalaye, 47; Akande Taiwo, 60; Oladele Abiodun, 38; Adeyemo Lukman, 45; Olaoye Muftau, 50; and Aderemi Musliu, 40.
During the raid, officers reportedly recovered ₦4,810,500 in cash, two Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), a voter register covering Wards 1–15, a Dynabook laptop, a photocopier, and a printer.
The police disclosed that all recovered items have been secured and are undergoing forensic examination as investigations continue.
According to the command, the discovery of the cash and electoral materials has raised serious concerns over possible electoral offences, including alleged vote-buying contrary to Section 121 of the Electoral Act, 2022. Other allegations under investigation include criminal conspiracy, harbouring or concealing a wanted suspect, and any additional offences that may emerge during the investigation.
“The recovery of the cash and the register containing voters’ details raises serious concerns regarding possible electoral offences and other criminal activities,” the police statement noted.
Investigators are also working to determine the source and intended use of the recovered funds, identify everyone connected to the exhibits, and establish whether a wider criminal network exists.
The police emphasized that the investigation has significant implications for public security, the administration of justice, and the credibility of Nigeria’s democratic process.
Reaffirming its commitment to impartial law enforcement, the command stated that no individual—regardless of political affiliation, public office, or social status—is above the law. It added that anyone found culpable after investigations would be prosecuted in accordance with the law.
Reacting to the development, the Osun State Government condemned the operation, alleging that police officers invaded the residence of the Secretary to the State Government without presenting a valid search warrant.
In a statement issued by the Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Kolapo Alimi, the government described the raid as unlawful and claimed that a combined team of police officers, allegedly led by the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of Operations, carried out the exercise and arrested individuals found at the residence.
The state government has demanded accountability over the conduct of the operation, setting the stage for what could become a major legal and political dispute.
Investigation Continues
As of the time of filing this report, the police had not announced any formal charges against the arrested persons. The investigation remains ongoing, and the authorities are expected to provide further updates as forensic examinations and interrogations continue.
The case is being closely monitored because of its potential implications for electoral accountability, public confidence in law enforcement, and the political landscape in Osun State. Under Nigerian law, all suspects remain presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of competent jurisdiction.
(DEMOCRACY NEWSLINE NEWSPAPER 30TH JULY)
