Osun SSG, Five Others Arrested as Police Recover N4.8 Million, PVCs and Voter Register in Alleged Vote-Buying Probe

The Osun State Police Command has arrested the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Teslim Igbalaye, alongside five other suspects after recovering N4.8 million in cash, Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), and a voter register during an operation linked to an alleged vote-buying investigation.

The arrests followed a police raid on a residence in Oroki Estate, Osogbo, after security operatives reportedly received credible intelligence about suspected criminal activities in the area. According to a statement issued by the command’s spokesperson, DSP Abiodun Ojelabi, on behalf of the Commissioner of Police, CP Ibrahim Gotan, officers were initially searching for a wanted suspect, Abiodun Arowomole, popularly known as “Ashipa,” who is on the police watch list over alleged involvement in serious crimes, including murder.

During the operation, police said they found the Osun SSG, Teslim Igbalaye, and five other individuals on the premises. The suspects arrested alongside the SSG were identified as Akande Taiwo (60), Oladele Abiodun (38), Adeyemo Lukman (45), Olaoye Muftau (50), and Aderemi Musliu (40).

According to the police, a search of the property led to the recovery of N4,810,500 in cash, a Dynabook laptop, a photocopy machine, a printer, two Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) and a voter register covering Wards 1 to 15.

The recovered items have since been taken into custody for forensic examination as investigators work to determine their origin and intended use.

Commissioner of Police Ibrahim Gotan assured residents that the investigation would be conducted thoroughly and professionally, stressing that anyone found guilty, regardless of status or position, would be prosecuted in accordance with the law. He also reiterated that no individual is above the law, while urging members of the public to remain calm and allow investigators to carry out their work without interference.

The development has already sparked widespread reactions online, with many Nigerians closely following the case as political tensions continue to rise ahead of the forthcoming elections in Osun State. Authorities say investigations are ongoing, and further updates will be provided as more facts emerge.