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Osun State Police Command frees Secretary to the State Government, Teslim Igbalaiye, a day after his arrest during a raid on his Osogbo residence.
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Imole Campaign Council praises the Inspector-General of Police and Osun Commissioner of Police, describing the release as a triumph of justice and the rule of law.
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SSG’s arrest had triggered a political storm, with the Osun Government and Assembly Speaker accusing the police of intimidation and abuse of power.
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Police say investigation into alleged electoral offences linked to ₦4.81 million, a voter register, PVCs, and other recovered exhibits is still ongoing.
July 30, (THEWILL) — The Osun State Police Command has released the Secretary to the Osun State Government (SSG), Teslim Igbalaiye, less than 24 hours after his controversial arrest on Wednesday over allegations of electoral offences
Igbalaiye’s release was confirmed on Thursday by the spokesperson for the Osun State Police Command, Abiodun Ojelabi, and spokesperson for the Imole Campaign Council, Pelumi Olajengbesi.
Olajengbesi commended the Inspector-General of Police and the Osun State Commissioner of Police for what he described as listening to the voice of reason.
“We sincerely appreciate the Inspector General of Police and the Commissioner of Police, Osun State Command, for listening to the voice of reason despite pressure and for responding to the people’s demand regarding the unlawful arrest of the Secretary to the State Government, Chief Igbalaye Teslim. The Nigerian Police Force best serves the nation when it stands against oppression and upholds justice and the rule of law.
“Welcome back, Chief Igbalaye Teslim. Your courage and sacrifice for the people of Osun State will not be forgotten. Our SSG is out, back, and solid,” Olajengbesi wrote in a Facebook post
Igbalaiye and five others were arrested on Wednesday after police operatives raided his residence in Osogbo in what the command described as an intelligence-led operation.
According to the police, officers acted on information that members of a suspected criminal gang were hiding at the location.
The command said one of those arrested, Oladele Abiodun, was already on its watchlist in connection with alleged criminal offences.
Others arrested during the operation were identified as Akande Taiwo, 60; Adeyemo Lukman, 45; Olaoye Muftau, 50; and Aderemi Musliu, 40.
Police also disclosed that the operation led to the recovery of ₦4,810,500, two Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), a voter register covering Wards 1 to 15, a Dynabook laptop, a photocopy machine, and a printer.
The command said all the exhibits had been secured for forensic examination and further investigation.
Arrest Triggered Political Outrage
The arrest immediately sparked outrage within the Osun State Government, which accused the police of invading the SSG’s residence without a valid search warrant.
The controversy deepened on Thursday when the Speaker of the Osun State House of Assembly, Adewale Egbedun, alleged that the Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Gotan, ordered the SSG’s arrest after being booed during an Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) stakeholders’ meeting.
Egbedun claimed the arrest was an act of retaliation and part of a broader campaign of intimidation against officials of Governor Ademola Adeleke’s administration.
The police have rejected the allegations, insisting the operation was intelligence-driven, lawful, and unrelated to any political considerations.
Felix Ifijeh is a journalist with years of professional reporting experience. Known for his keen news sense, compelling storytelling and commitment to accurate, impactful reporting, he has built a reputation for turning leads into clear, engaging, and well-structured reports that resonate with readers. His work reflects deep newsroom experience and a commitment to accurate, impactful journalism.
