The Osun State Police Command has announced the arrest of six suspects and the recovery of ₦4,810,500, a laptop, a photocopy machine, a printer, voter cards, and voter registers during an intelligence-led operation in Osogbo.
According to a statement issued on Wednesday by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Abiodun Ojelabi, the operation was carried out around the Oroki Estate area of Osogbo following credible intelligence that a criminal gang was hiding in the area.
The command said the operation targeted a suspect identified as Abiodun Arowomole, popularly known as “Ashipa,” who is on the police watch-list over alleged involvement in serious crimes, including murder. Police alleged that the suspect was traced to a residential property linked to the Secretary to the Osun State Government (SSG).
During the operation, officers recovered ₦4,810,500 in cash, one Dynabook laptop, one photocopy machine, one printer, two voter cards, and voter registers covering Wards 1 to 15. The police said all recovered items have been secured for forensic examination and further investigation.
The command also confirmed the arrest of six suspects identified as Hon. Igbalaye Teslim, 47; Akande Taiwo, 60; Oladele Abiodun, 38; Adeyemo Lukman, 45; Olaoye Muftau, 50; and Aderemi Musliu, 40.
According to the police, the suspects were found within the premises during the operation and have been taken into lawful custody.
The police stated that the recovery of the cash and voter registers has raised concerns over possible electoral offences and other criminal activities. It noted that investigators are examining possible offences, including alleged voter bribery under Section 121 of the Electoral Act 2022, criminal conspiracy, harbouring a wanted suspect, and any other offences that may emerge during the investigation.
The command said investigations have been intensified to establish the ownership and intended use of the recovered funds, identify all persons connected with the exhibits, and determine the full extent of any alleged criminal activities.
Reaffirming its commitment to enforcing the law, the Osun State Police Command stated that no individual, regardless of political affiliation, social status, or public office, is above the law. It added that anyone found culpable at the conclusion of investigations would be prosecuted in accordance with the law.
The command also appealed to residents of the state to remain calm, obey the law, and continue to provide credible information to security agencies to support crime prevention and ensure peaceful, free, fair, and credible elections.
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