Osun State Secretary to the Government, Teslim Igbalaye, has been released by the police after his arrest during a raid on his residence in Osogbo.
The development was announced on Thursday by Pelumi Olajengbesi, spokesperson for the Imole Campaign Council, in a post on his verified Facebook page. The council is coordinating Governor Ademola Adeleke’s re-election campaign.
Olajengbesi thanked the Inspector-General of Police and the Osun State Commissioner of Police for approving Igbalaye’s release, describing it as a victory for justice.
He wrote:
«“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.”»
The spokesperson for the Osun State Police Command, Abiodun Ojelabi, also confirmed that the SSG had been freed.
Igbalaye was taken into custody on Wednesday alongside five others after police operatives raided his home following intelligence reports.
According to the police, one of those arrested, Oladele Abiodun, was on the command’s watchlist over alleged criminal activities. Others arrested were Akande Taiwo, Adeyemo Lukman, Olaoye Muftau and Aderemi Musliu.
The operation led to the recovery of N4,810,500, a Dynabook laptop, a photocopy machine, a printer, two Permanent Voter Cards and a voter register covering Wards 1 to 15.
Police said investigations are still ongoing, with detectives examining possible offences, including alleged vote-buying, criminal conspiracy and the alleged harbouring of a wanted suspect.
