The Osun State Police Command has confirmed the arrest of the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Hon. Teslim Igbalaye, over the alleged unlawful possession of Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), a voter register and ₦4.81 million.

Five other persons were also arrested during a police operation at a residence linked to the SSG in Osogbo.

In a statement on Wednesday, the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Abiodun Ojelabi, said the operation was carried out following credible intelligence that members of a criminal gang were hiding in the Oroki Estate area of the state capital.

According to the police, a suspect identified as Abiodun Arowomole, popularly known as “Ashipa,” who was on the command’s watchlist over alleged criminal activities, was traced to the property linked to the SSG.

The police said officers recovered ₦4,810,500 in cash, a Dynabook laptop, a photocopy machine, a printer, two Permanent Voter Cards and a voter register covering Wards 1 to 15 during the operation.

“The operation also led to the arrest of Hon. Igbalaye Teslim, 47; Akande Taiwo, 60; Oladele Abiodun, 38; Adeyemo Lukman, 45; Olaoye Muftau, 50; and Aderemi Musliu, 40.

“The suspects were found on the premises during the operation and have since been taken into lawful custody.

“The recovery of the cash and the register containing voters’ details raises serious concerns regarding possible electoral offences and other criminal activities,” Ojelabi said.

The police added that all recovered items had been secured for forensic examination while investigations continued.

However, the Osun State Government condemned the arrest, describing it as part of what it called a sustained campaign of harassment against senior government officials and members of the Accord Party in the state.

In a statement, the Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Oluomo Kolapo Alimi, said the SSG was not at home when the police conducted the operation, insisting he was attending a stakeholders’ forum organised by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

Alimi said ward officials were holding a meeting within the SSG’s compound when the police arrived.

He called on traditional rulers, the Inspector-General of Police, the National Security Adviser, the Nigeria Police Force and President Bola Tinubu to intervene, warning that the situation could heighten political tensions in the state.

The police have yet to announce any formal charges, saying investigations are ongoing.