Police release Osun SSG after interrogation

The Osun State Police Command has released the Secretary to the Osun State Government (SSG), Teslim Igbalaiye, hours after he was arrested during a police operation at his residence in Osogbo.

His release was confirmed on Thursday by the spokesperson of the Imole Campaign Council, Pelumi Olajengbesi, who announced the development in a post on his verified Facebook page.

He thanked the Inspector-General of Police and the Osun State Commissioner of Police for what he described as their willingness to heed public concerns over the arrest.

Olajengbesi described the release as a triumph of justice, stating that the police demonstrated professionalism by responding to calls for fairness.

He also welcomed Igbalaiye back, commending him for what he termed his commitment and sacrifice in service to the people of Osun State.

The Police Public Relations Officer in Osun, Abiodun Ojelabi, also confirmed the SSG’s release during a telephone interview with journalists, but maintained that investigations into the case were still ongoing.

Igbalaiye and five others were arrested on Wednesday after police operatives raided his residence following intelligence reports that suspected criminal elements were operating from the location.

According to the police, one of those apprehended was Oladele Abiodun, who was said to be on the command’s watchlist over alleged criminal offences.

Police said exhibits recovered during the operation included N4,810,500 in cash, a Dynabook laptop, a photocopy machine, a printer, two Permanent Voter Cards and a voter register covering Wards 1 to 15.

The items, the command said, have been taken into custody for forensic examination and further investigation.

The command explained that the recovered cash and electoral materials raised suspicion of possible electoral offences, including alleged voter inducement, criminal conspiracy and harbouring of a wanted suspect.

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It stressed that investigations would determine whether any of the suspects would be charged to court.

Others arrested alongside the SSG were identified as Akande Taiwo, 60; Adeyemo Lukman, 45; Olaoye Muftau, 50; and Aderemi Musliu, 40.

The release of the SSG came amid controversy over the circumstances surrounding his arrest.

Earlier on Thursday, Speaker of the Osun State House of Assembly, Adewale Egbedun, alleged that the arrest was politically motivated and linked it to an incident at an Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) stakeholders’ meeting.

He claimed the Commissioner of Police ordered Igbalaiye’s arrest after he was seen laughing when the police chief was booed by some participants.

The police, however, dismissed the allegation, insisting the operation was intelligence-driven and based solely on suspected criminal activities and possible electoral offences.