The Secretary to the Osun State Government (SSG), Teslim Igbalaiye, has been released by the Osun State Police Command following his arrest earlier in the week.

His release was confirmed on Thursday by Pelumi Olajengbesi, spokesperson for the Imole Campaign Council, which is leading the re-election bid of Governor Ademola Adeleke. Olajengbesi announced the development via his verified Facebook page, expressing appreciation to the Inspector General of Police and the Osun State Commissioner of Police for what he described as a decision guided by reason and public demand.

He stated that the Nigerian Police Force performs best when it upholds justice, the rule of law and resists oppression, while welcoming Igbalaiye back and commending his resilience.

The Police Public Relations Officer in Osun State, Abiodun Ojelabi, also confirmed the release during a telephone interview with journalists in Osogbo.

Igbalaiye had been arrested alongside five others following a police raid on his residence in Osogbo on Wednesday.

 

According to the police, the operation was based on intelligence reports suggesting that a criminal gang was operating from the location.

During the raid, officers reportedly recovered ₦4,810,500 in cash, two Permanent Voter Cards, a voter register covering Wards 1 to 15, a Dynabook laptop, a photocopy machine, and a printer. The police noted that one of the suspects arrested at the residence, Oladele Abiodun, was already on their watchlist for alleged criminal activities.

Other individuals arrested include Akande Taiwo (60), Adeyemo Lukman (45), Olaoye Muftau (50), and Aderemi Musliu (40).

Ojelabi stated that the recovered items are currently in police custody and undergoing forensic examination. He added that the nature of the items, particularly the cash and voter register, raises concerns about possible electoral offences.

The police further indicated that ongoing investigations may involve allegations such as voter bribery under Section 121 of the Electoral Act, 2022, criminal conspiracy and harbouring a wanted individual, among other potential offences.

Meanwhile, the Speaker of the Osun State House of Assembly, Adewale Egbedun, alleged that the arrest of the SSG was politically motivated. He claimed that the Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Gotan, ordered the arrest following an incident at an Independent National Electoral Commission stakeholders’ meeting, where he was reportedly booed and observed Igbalaiye laughing.

However, the police have maintained that the operation was lawful and strictly based on intelligence linking the suspects to criminal activities.

Investigations into the matter are ongoing.