By Abdullahi Sarki
In a significant development ahead of the Osun State governorship election, law enforcement authorities have taken a high-profile political figure into custody.
The Osun State Police Command confirmed the arrest of the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Mr. Teslim Igbalaye, in connection with alleged electoral malpractices.
The operation, which occurred on Wednesday, also resulted in the detention of five other individuals suspected of participating in vote merchandising activities.
These arrests come just weeks before the crucial August 15 gubernatorial poll, signaling a tough stance by security agencies against electoral offences.
According to an official statement from the Police Command, the arrests were executed following a targeted raid at the SSG’s personal residence located in the Oroki Estate area of Osogbo.
During the search, authorities discovered several incriminating items that have heightened suspicions of pre-election manipulation.
Among the key pieces of evidence recovered were a substantial number of Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) and a detailed register containing voters’ personal information.
The presence of these items at the official’s home has raised serious questions about the integrity of the upcoming electoral process and the potential for organized vote-buying schemes.
Beyond the voter materials, the police seized a significant sum of ₦4.8 million in cash, along with technological equipment such as a Dynabook laptop, printers, and photocopying machines.
Authorities also recovered comprehensive voter registers covering Wards one to fifteen in the Osogbo Local Government Area, further solidifying the case against the suspects.
