The Secretary to the Osun State Government, Teslim Igbalaiye, has been released by the Osun State Police Command, barely a day after his arrest during a police raid on his residence in Osogbo.
His release was announced on Thursday by the spokesperson for the Imole Campaign Council, Pelumi Olajengbesi, who thanked the Inspector General of Police and the Osun State Commissioner of Police for what he described as responding 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 Igbalaiye Teslim,” Olajengbesi wrote on his verified Facebook page.
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He added that the Nigerian Police Force best serves the nation when it upholds justice and the rule of law, welcoming Igbalaiye back and describing his ordeal as a sacrifice for the people of Osun State.
The spokesperson for the Osun State Police Command, Abiodun Ojelabi, also confirmed Igbalaiye’s release in a telephone conversation with journalists.
Igbalaiye and five others were arrested on Wednesday after police raided his residence, claiming they acted on intelligence that a criminal gang was operating from the location.
According to the police, officers recovered ₦4.81 million, two Permanent Voter Cards, a voter register covering Wards 1 to 15, a Dynabook laptop, a photocopy machine and a printer during the operation.
The police said the items raised suspicions of possible electoral offences, including alleged vote buying, criminal conspiracy and harbouring a wanted suspect.
One of those arrested, Oladele Abiodun, was said to be on the police watchlist in connection with alleged criminal activities.
Police said investigations remain ongoing and that the recovered items have been secured for forensic examination.
Igbalaiye’s release came hours after Speaker of the Osun State House of Assembly, Adewale Egbedun, alleged that the arrest was politically motivated.
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Egbedun claimed the Commissioner of Police ordered the SSG’s arrest after an incident at an Independent National Electoral Commission stakeholders’ meeting where the police chief was allegedly booed by attendees and noticed Igbalaiye laughing.
The police have denied the allegation, insisting the operation was intelligence-driven and linked to suspected criminal activities and possible electoral offences.
While Igbalaiye has regained his freedom, the police say investigations into the recovered cash, electoral materials and other exhibits are continuing.
