By Tunji Braimoh, Abuja

The Osun State Police Command has detained the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Teslim Igbalaye, along with five other individuals, following a police operation that reportedly uncovered cash and electoral materials at a residence linked to the senior government official.

According to police authorities, the operation led to the recovery of approximately ₦4.81 million in cash, two Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), a voter register covering Wards 1 to 15, a laptop computer, a photocopier and a printer.

The police said the arrests were made as part of an ongoing investigation into alleged vote-buying and other suspected electoral offences. Authorities disclosed that the operation was initially aimed at apprehending a wanted suspect identified as “Ashipa,” who was reportedly found at the premises during the raid.

A statement issued by the command indicated that officers acted on intelligence reports before conducting the operation, which subsequently resulted in the arrest of the six suspects and the seizure of the materials believed to be relevant to the investigation.

Police authorities noted that the recovered items are being subjected to forensic and investigative examination to determine their connection to any potential electoral malpractice or other criminal activities.

The command further stated that investigations remain ongoing and assured members of the public that anyone found culpable would be prosecuted in accordance with the law.

The development has generated political reactions within Osun State, with the state government questioning the circumstances surrounding the operation and the subsequent detention of the SSG.

Officials of the state government reportedly described the police action as politically motivated, alleging that the residence was unlawfully raided and that due process was not followed during the operation.

The government maintained that the allegations against the SSG remain unproven and called for a fair, transparent and impartial investigation into the matter.

Meanwhile, the police have insisted that the operation was carried out within the confines of the law and formed part of efforts to investigate credible allegations and maintain the integrity of the electoral process.

As investigations continue, the authorities have reiterated that the arrest of the suspects does not amount to a conviction and that all those involved remain entitled to the presumption of innocence until proven guilty by a competent court of law.

The incident has attracted widespread attention across the state, with political observers closely monitoring developments as law enforcement agencies continue their inquiries into the allegations surrounding the recovered cash and electoral materials.