The Osun State Police Command has confirmed the arrest of the Secretary to the State Government, Teslim Igbalaiye, and five other persons during an operation at his residence in the Oroki Estate area of Osogbo.
![](https://thenigerialawyer.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/ELLAN.png")
![](https://thenigerialawyer.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/2026-Summer-IDRI-Masterclass.jpg")
The police said ₦4,810,500 in cash, two Permanent Voter Cards, a voter register covering Wards 1 to 15 and several electronic devices were recovered during the operation conducted on Wednesday.
The Command, in a statement issued by its spokesperson, DSP Abiodun Ojelabi, said the operation was carried out following credible intelligence concerning the presence of a suspected gang leader, Abiodun Arowomole, popularly known as “Ashipa,” at the property.
According to the police, Arowomole was on its watch-list over an alleged murder and was found at the residence when officers arrived.
Other items reportedly recovered during the operation were a Dynabook laptop, photocopying machine and printer.
The police said the exhibits had been taken into custody for forensic examination and further investigation.
Those arrested were identified as Igbalaiye, 47; Akande Taiwo, 60; Oladele Abiodun, 38; Adeyemo Lukman, 45; Olaoye Muftau, 50; and Aderemi Musliu, 40.
The Command said the individuals were found on the premises during the raid and had been taken into lawful custody while investigations continued.
It added that the recovery of the cash, PVCs and voter register raised concerns about possible electoral offences and other criminal activities ahead of the August 15, 2026 Osun State governorship election.
“The recovery of the cash and the register containing voters’ details raises serious concerns regarding possible electoral offences and other criminal activities,” the police said.
“While investigations are still ongoing, the facts presently available disclose reasonable grounds to investigate the commission of offences.”
The Command said investigators would examine whether offences including voter bribery under Section 121 of the Electoral Act 2022, criminal conspiracy, harbouring a wanted suspect and other related crimes had been committed.
It added that the source and intended use of the recovered cash would be investigated, alongside the identities and roles of every person connected with the seized exhibits.
The police assured residents that the investigation would be conducted without fear or favour, stressing that political affiliation or public office would not place anyone above the law.
It also urged members of the public to remain calm, obey the law and continue providing credible information capable of assisting security agencies in ensuring a peaceful and credible election.
The Osun State Government, however, condemned the raid, describing it as unlawful, politically motivated and part of an alleged campaign against senior government officials and members of the Accord Party.
Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Kolapo Alimi, said Igbalaiye was attending an Independent National Electoral Commission stakeholders’ meeting when police officers entered his residence.
He said ward officials were holding a meeting within the compound when the officers arrived and arrested those they found there.
“At the time the SSG house was invaded, his ward officials were holding a meeting within the compound, while the SSG himself was attending the stakeholders’ forum organised by the Independent National Electoral Commission,” Alimi said.
The government also alleged that police officers had earlier raided the residence of the Commissioner for Energy in Ikire, ransacked the building and destroyed property.
Alimi claimed that the residences of other commissioners and senior government officials had either been raided or placed under surveillance.
He accused the police of targeting government officials and Accord Party members ahead of the governorship election, an allegation the police have not accepted.
The government called on traditional rulers, the Inspector-General of Police, the National Security Adviser and President Bola Tinubu to intervene before the situation resulted in a breakdown of law and order.
The raid occurred amid heightened political tension and security concerns surrounding the governorship election, including a recent attack on INEC officials during which packs of PVCs were taken from a distribution centre in Odo-Otin Local Government Area.
The allegations against Igbalaiye and the other arrested persons have not been proved, and the outcome of the police investigation had not been announced at the time of publication.
_______________________________________________________________________ LAWBREED NEW WIG SPECIAL OFFER — Give a newly called lawyer a lasting professional gift.
Get up to 20% off selected LAWBREED Supreme Court Reports, plus access to My S.C Extra, featuring Supreme Court judgments from 1972 to date. Call/WhatsApp: 08077011741 | 08077011755 | 08077011730 | 08023269613 Email: orders@lawbreed.com | mails@lawbreed.com
LAWBREED — Equipping You For Greater Success!
______________________________________________________________________
“Enhance Legal Practice With Authoritative Reports” — Alexander Payne Offers Comprehensive Law Reports, Spanning Over A Century Of Nigerian Jurisprudence
Interested buyers are encouraged to place their orders and enquiries via:
0704 444 4777, 0704 444 4999, 0818 199 9888
Website: www.alexandernigeria.com
As an added bonus, every purchase comes with a FREE ebook titled: “How to use the AI in Legalpedia and Law Pavilion.”
Ohio Books Ltd praises the publication, stating:
"....this is the only Nigerian book I know of on the topic."
How to Order:
📞 Call, Text, or WhatsApp: 08034917063 | 07055285878
📧 Email: benadigwe1@gmail.com
🌎 Website: www.benadigwe.com
Ebook Version: Access it directly online at https://selar.com/prv626
Authored by Ben Ijeoma Adigwe Esq., ACiarb (UK), LL.M, Dip. in Artificial Intelligence, Director at the Delta State Ministry of Justice, Asaba, Nigeria.
_______________________________________________________________________
“Order Justice Omolaye-Ajileye’s Electronic Evidence Books Now” — Essential Guides On Evidence Act, Case Law And Digital Proof
