Recovery of cash, voter register and election-related materials during intelligence-led police operation sparks controversy as opposition alleges targeted arrests ahead of the August 15 governorship election.
By Anita Babalola
Osogbo, Osun State | July 30, 2026
Political tensions in Osun State have intensified barely weeks before the August 15 governorship election following the arrest of the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Teslim Igbalaye, and five other individuals during a police operation that investigators say uncovered substantial cash, voter registers and election-related materials.
While the Osun State Police Command insists the operation was intelligence-driven and linked to the alleged harbouring of a wanted murder suspect and possible electoral offences, the Accord Party has strongly rejected the arrests, describing them as politically motivated intimidation designed to weaken opposition forces ahead of the polls.
The incident has triggered fresh debate over the role of security agencies during elections, the enforcement of Nigeria’s Electoral Act, and the delicate balance between criminal investigations and the preservation of democratic freedoms.
Police Say Operation Targeted Wanted Criminal
According to the Osun State Police Command, the operation was carried out after intelligence reports indicated that suspected members of a criminal gang were hiding within the Oroki Estate area of Osogbo.
Police spokesperson, DSP Abiodun Ojelabi, said officers conducted the raid as part of ongoing efforts to apprehend individuals linked to violent crimes and other criminal activities.
Among those arrested was Oladele Abiodun, popularly known as “Ashipa,” whom the police described as a wanted suspect allegedly connected to serious offences, including murder.
The police maintained that the presence of the suspect at the property necessitated immediate law enforcement action.
SSG, Five Others Taken into Custody
Authorities confirmed that six individuals were arrested during the operation.
They include:
- Teslim Igbalaye, Secretary to the State Government.
- Akande Taiwo.
- Oladele Abiodun (“Ashipa”).
- Adeyemo Lukman.
- Olaoye Muftau.
- Aderemi Musliu.
Investigators said all six remain subjects of ongoing investigations as detectives seek to determine the circumstances surrounding the alleged criminal activities.
No formal charges had been announced at the time of filing this report.
Cash, Voter Register and Equipment Recovered
Police disclosed that officers recovered several items during the operation, including:
- ₦4,810,500 in cash
- One Dynabook laptop
- One photocopy machine
- One printer
- Two Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs)
- A voter register covering Wards 1 to 15
According to investigators, all exhibits have been taken into police custody for forensic examination.
The discovery of both cash and electoral materials has become a central aspect of the investigation, particularly given the proximity of the governorship election.
Authorities say forensic experts will examine both physical and digital evidence to determine ownership, origin and possible intended use.
Police Probe Possible Electoral Offences
The Police Command stated that investigators are examining whether the recovered materials indicate possible violations of Nigeria’s Electoral Act.
Among the allegations under investigation are:
- Alleged vote-buying contrary to Section 121 of the Electoral Act, 2022.
- Criminal conspiracy.
- Harbouring or concealing a wanted criminal.
- Any additional offences that may emerge during the investigation.
Investigators are also tracing the source of the recovered funds while seeking to establish whether the money was intended for legitimate political activities or unlawful electoral inducement.
Police emphasized that investigations remain ongoing and cautioned against drawing premature conclusions before the completion of forensic analysis.
Police Stress No One Is Above the Law
The Osun State Police Command reiterated that law enforcement agencies remain constitutionally obligated to investigate alleged criminal conduct irrespective of the status or political affiliation of those involved.
Officials maintained that anyone found culpable after investigations would face prosecution in accordance with Nigerian law.
The Command further appealed to residents to remain calm and avoid actions capable of disrupting public peace during the election period.
Authorities also encouraged citizens to provide credible intelligence capable of assisting security agencies in preventing electoral violence.
Accord Party Rejects Arrests, Alleges Political Persecution
The Accord Party has, however, strongly condemned the arrests.
Speaking in Abuja, spokesperson of the Imole Campaign Council, Pelumi Olajengbesi, accused the Osun State Police Command of conducting what he described as politically motivated arrests targeted at opposition members.
According to the party, approximately 86 Accord Party members, including candidates and government officials, have allegedly been arrested within recent days.
Olajengbesi claimed those arrested had committed no known offences and alleged that many were transported from Osun State to Abuja without justification.
The party has demanded the immediate redeployment of the Osun State Commissioner of Police, arguing that public confidence in the electoral process could be undermined if security agencies are perceived as partisan.
Police Maintain Investigation Is Intelligence-Driven
Despite the allegations, police authorities insist the operation was not politically motivated.
The Command maintains that its actions were based solely on intelligence reports concerning criminal activities and the presence of a wanted suspect.
Officials rejected suggestions of selective enforcement, emphasizing that investigations are conducted without regard to political affiliation, public office or social status.
The police further noted that the investigation remains active and that additional findings could emerge as forensic examinations continue.
Election Security Under Fresh Spotlight
The controversy comes at a critical period as Osun State prepares for its governorship election.
Election observers note that security operations during politically sensitive periods often attract heightened scrutiny because of their potential impact on public confidence, voter participation and perceptions of electoral fairness.
Civil society organizations have consistently urged security agencies to ensure that criminal investigations are conducted professionally, transparently and without political interference.
Legal experts also emphasize that allegations of electoral offences should be investigated thoroughly while respecting constitutional safeguards, including the presumption of innocence and the rights of suspects.
Why the Investigation Matters
Beyond the immediate arrests, the case highlights broader issues surrounding election integrity in Nigeria.
If investigators establish evidence of vote-buying or organized electoral manipulation, the case could reinforce ongoing efforts to strengthen enforcement of the Electoral Act.
Conversely, if allegations of politically motivated arrests gain credible support, concerns about abuse of state institutions during elections could intensify.
The outcome of the investigation is therefore expected to have implications not only for those arrested but also for public confidence in the credibility of the forthcoming governorship election.
The arrest of Osun State’s Secretary to the State Government and five others has introduced a new dimension to the political contest ahead of the August 15 governorship election.
While the police insist the operation targeted criminal activities involving a wanted suspect and possible electoral offences, the Accord Party continues to allege political intimidation and abuse of law enforcement powers.
As investigations proceed, Nigerians will be watching closely for evidence supporting either narrative. Ultimately, the credibility of the investigation will depend on transparency, adherence to due process and the presentation of verifiable facts before the courts. Until then, the case remains a significant test of both electoral integrity and the impartiality of Nigeria’s criminal justice system.
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