The Osun State Police Command has released the Secretary to the State Government, Teslim Igbalaiye, following his arrest during a police operation in Osogbo.
His release was confirmed on Thursday by the spokesperson for the Imole Campaign Council, Pelumi Olajengbesi, who announced the development in a Facebook post. He praised the Inspector General of Police and the Osun State Commissioner of Police for what he described as a decision to uphold justice.
Reacting to the release, Olajengbesi said, “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.”
Police spokesperson Abiodun Ojelabi also confirmed that Igbalaiye had regained his freedom.
The SSG was arrested on Wednesday alongside five other individuals after security operatives raided his residence in Osogbo. According to the police, the operation followed intelligence reports that some suspects linked to criminal activities were hiding at the location.
During the raid, officers reportedly recovered more than ₦4.8 million in cash, voter registration materials, two Permanent Voter Cards, a laptop, a photocopy machine and a printer, all of which are being examined as part of the ongoing investigation.
The police said investigators are looking into allegations of electoral offences, including vote buying, criminal conspiracy and the possible harbouring of a wanted suspect.
Before his release, the Speaker of the Osun State House of Assembly, Adewale Egbedun, had accused the state Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Gotan, of ordering Igbalaiye’s arrest over events that followed an INEC stakeholders’ meeting. He alleged the commissioner acted after being booed by some attendees and noticing the SSG laughing during the incident.
The police, however, rejected that claim, insisting the operation was intelligence-driven and carried out in connection with suspected criminal activities and possible violations of the Electoral Act.