The Osun State Police Command has released the Secretary to the Osun State Government (SSG), Teslim Igbalaye, following his arrest during a police operation in Osogbo.
His release was confirmed on Thursday by the spokesperson for the Imole Campaign Council, Pelumi Olajengbesi, who announced the development in a post on his verified Facebook page.
Olajengbesi expressed appreciation to the Inspector General of Police and the Commissioner of Police in Osun State, saying the decision to release the SSG reflected a commitment to justice and the rule of law.
He described Igbalaye’s arrest as unlawful and praised the police authorities for responding to public concerns.
The spokesperson for the Osun State Police Command, Abiodun Ojelabi, also confirmed Igbalaye’s release during a telephone interview with journalists.
Igbalaye and five other individuals were arrested on Wednesday after police raided his residence in Osogbo.
According to the police, one of those arrested at the residence, identified as Oladele Abiodun, was on the command’s watchlist in connection with alleged criminal offences.
The police also disclosed that officers recovered N4.81 million in cash, two Permanent Voter Cards, a voter register covering Wards 1 to 15, a Dynabook laptop, a photocopy machine and a printer during the operation.
The other suspects arrested alongside the SSG were identified as Akande Taiwo, 60; Adeyemo Lukman, 45; Olaoye Muftau, 50; and Aderemi Musliu, 40.
Explaining the operation, the Police Public Relations Officer said the raid followed intelligence reports indicating that a suspected criminal gang was operating from a location in Osogbo.
He stated that the recovered cash and electoral materials had been secured for forensic examination and further investigation.
According to the police, the items recovered raise concerns about possible electoral offences, including alleged vote buying, criminal conspiracy and harbouring a wanted suspect. Investigators said additional charges could emerge as the investigation progresses.
The SSG’s release came hours after the Speaker of the Osun State House of Assembly, Adewale Egbedun, alleged that the Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Gotan, ordered Igbalaye’s arrest following an incident at an Independent National Electoral Commission stakeholders’ meeting.
Egbedun claimed the commissioner acted after being booed by some participants and noticing the SSG laughing during the incident. He also alleged that Igbalaye was informed that police officers were waiting to arrest him at his residence.
The Osun State Police Command has, however, maintained that the operation was based solely on intelligence linking the suspects to alleged criminal activities and possible electoral offences, insisting that investigations are still ongoing.
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