Police release Osun SSG arrested over alleged vote-buying

The Osun State Police Command has released the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Igbalaye Teslim, after he was arrested alongside five others over allegations of vote-buying ahead of the August 15 governorship election.

Teslim’s release was confirmed on Thursday, July 30, by Pelumi Olajengbesi, spokesperson for the Imole Campaign Council, who commended the Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu, and the Osun State Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Gotan, for what he described as responding to public calls for the SSG’s release.

“We are pleased that the SSG has now been released by the Police. We, however, demand the immediate and unconditional release of all other political detainees still being held,” Olajengbesi said.

He added, “The Nigerian Police Force best serves the nation when it stands against oppression and upholds justice and the rule of law.” Welcoming Teslim back, Olajengbesi said, “Your courage and sacrifice for the people of Osun State will not be forgotten. Our SSG is out, back and solid.”

Teslim and five others were arrested over alleged vote-buying following a police operation in Osogbo, the Osun State capital. In a statement issued on Wednesday, July 29, the police said officers recovered N4.8 million and other electoral materials from a residence linked to the SSG.

The development comes amid rising political tensions in the state ahead of the governorship election, with supporters of Governor Ademola Adeleke, who is seeking a second term on the platform of the Accord Party, and the All Progressives Congress (APC) exchanging accusations in recent weeks.