The Osun State Police Command has released the Secretary to the Osun State Government (SSG), Teslim Igbalaye, less than 24 hours after his arrest over alleged electoral offences during a raid on his residence in Osogbo.
The development was announced on Thursday by the spokesperson for the Imole Campaign Council, Pelumi Olajengbesi, in a post shared on his verified Facebook page.
Olajengbesi thanked the Inspector General of Police and the Osun State Commissioner of Police for what he described as listening to the “voice of reason” by releasing the SSG despite pressure.
“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 Igbalaye Teslim.
“The Nigerian Police Force best serves the nation when it stands against oppression and upholds justice and the rule of law. Welcome back, Chief Igbalaye Teslim. Your courage and sacrifice for the people of Osun State will not be forgotten. Our SSG is out, back and solid,” he wrote.
The spokesperson for the Osun State Police Command, Abiodun Ojelabi, also confirmed Igbalaye’s release in a telephone conversation with journalists in Osogbo.
Igbalaye was arrested on Wednesday alongside five other suspects after police operatives raided his residence following intelligence reports that suspected criminals were operating from the location.
The police said one of those arrested during the operation, Oladele Abiodun, was on the command’s watchlist over alleged criminal activities.
Police also recovered N4,810,500 in cash, two Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), a voter register for Wards 1 to 15, a Dynabook laptop, a photocopy machine and a printer from the residence.
Others arrested alongside the SSG were identified as Akande Taiwo, 60; Adeyemo Lukman, 45; Olaoye Muftau, 50; and Aderemi Musliu, 40.
According to Ojelabi, investigations are ongoing into alleged vote-buying, criminal conspiracy, harbouring a wanted suspect and other offences that may be uncovered.
