Osun State Government Secretary and Five Others Detained Over Electoral Fraud Allegations - FIRST AWARENESS

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Wednesday, July 29, 2026

Osun State Government Secretary and Five Others Detained Over Electoral Fraud Allegations

In a dramatic turn of events, the Osun State Police Command has detained Secretary to the Osun State Government (SSG), Teslim Igbalaye, alongside five others, following a raid at his residence in Osogbo on Wednesday. The operation was reportedly based on intelligence that suspected members of a criminal gang were hiding within the premises.

Police Public Relations Officer, Abiodun Ojelabi, confirmed that one arrested individual, Oladele Abiodun, was already on their watchlist for prior alleged criminal activities. The other suspects include Akande Taiwo (60), Adeyemo Lukman (45), Olaoye Muftau (50), and Aderemi Musliu (40).

During the raid, officers seized a staggering N4,810,500, two Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), and a voter register covering Wards 1 to 15. Additional items confiscated included a Dynabook laptop, a photocopier, and a printer.

The police have indicated that the recovered items will undergo forensic examination to further investigate potential electoral offences, including vote-buying and criminal conspiracy. Ojelabi emphasized that no individual, regardless of their political status, is above the law, and anyone found guilty after the investigation will face prosecution.

In a swift response, the Osun State Government condemned the police operation, alleging that officers invaded the SSG's residence without a search warrant. The Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Kolapo Alimi, criticized the legality of the raid, claiming it was executed by a combined police team led by the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of Operations.

The state government’s statement raises questions about the conduct of law enforcement and calls into question the motives behind the raid. Authorities are currently investigating the sources of the recovered cash and the intended use of the PVCs.

As tensions mount, the police have reiterated their commitment to uphold the law, while the state government remains firm in its defense of the SSG, calling the operation a breach of legal protocol.

As the situation unfolds, both sides are preparing for a potential legal showdown, with the integrity of the upcoming elections hanging in the balance.

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