Police release Osun SSG after vote-buying arrest

Police in Osun State have released the Secretary to the State Government, Teslim Igbalaye, a day after he was detained in a vote-buying-related case.

The release is a new development after the earlier arrest reported here. Punch and Vanguard both reported on Thursday that the state police command confirmed Igbalaye had left custody, while the investigation continued.

Police had earlier said Igbalaye and five others were arrested after a raid in Osogbo linked to alleged vote-buying ahead of the August 15 governorship election. The command said officers recovered ₦4,810,500, two voter cards, a voter register, a Dynabook laptop, a photocopying machine and a printer.

Vanguard reported that police spokesperson Abiodun Ojelabi said Igbalaye had been released in the afternoon but that the case was still open.

Punch reported that Pelumi Olajengbesi, spokesperson for Governor Ademola Adeleke’s campaign council, announced the release and thanked the police leadership. The police have not announced any conviction in the matter.

Sources: Punch, Vanguard