Osun Police, Attorney-General clash over detention of SSG
Osun State Police and Government Clash over Operation Involving Secretary to State Government
The Osun State Police Command and the state government issued conflicting statements regarding a police operation conducted at the residence of the Secretary to the State Government, Teslim Igbalaye. The incident has raised concerns as the August 15 governorship election approaches.
On Friday, the Police Command released a statement asserting that the July 29 operation was based on credible intelligence amid ongoing investigations into suspected criminal activities. Simultaneously, Oluwole Jimi-Bada, the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, raised questions about the legality of the raid and the subsequent detention of Igbalaye after he voluntarily presented himself at the Force Headquarters.
Police Public Relations Officer DSP Abiodun Ojelabi emphasized that the Nigeria Police Force operates as a professional and non-partisan entity dedicated to upholding the law impartially. He stated that the operation was not politically motivated and was executed in response to urgent intelligence.
During the operation, police officials reported recovering significant amounts of cash, registers containing voter details, Permanent Voter Cards, and other documents. The police noted that one arrested individual was already on a watch list due to prior criminal investigations.
In response to the SSG’s detention, the Police clarified that while he complied with their summons, this did not exempt him from lawful inquiries. They confirmed that his constitutional rights were upheld and he has been granted administrative bail pending the investigation’s conclusion.
The Police dismissed claims that the recovered funds should automatically be classified as party logistics, citing conflicting statements from suspects about their intended use, which ranges from political mobilization to an empowerment program.
Addressing concerns about potential electoral offenses, the Police reiterated their constitutional duty to prevent crime ahead of elections. They stated that investigators are considering all evidence, including witness statements and recovered materials, rather than solely focusing on cash and voter registers.
Additionally, the Police urged political figures to refrain from making statements that could undermine public confidence or interfere with ongoing investigations. They affirmed their commitment to ensuring a peaceful and credible election process in Osun State, indicating that anyone deemed innocent would be exonerated while those with sufficient evidence against them would face legal action.
At a press conference on Thursday, Attorney-General Jimi Bada acknowledged the police’s constitutional role while advocating for fairness and adherence to legal standards during investigations. He clarified that the SSG was not present during the raid and had reported to the police upon learning of the arrests.
Bada questioned the rationale behind detaining a public official who cooperated with police inquiries and expressed concern that such actions could place all citizens at risk. He emphasized that possession of logistical materials, including personal PVCs and voter registers, should not, by themselves, be construed as evidence of criminal activity.
The Attorney-General called for the Police to provide specific evidence supporting any allegations of electoral offenses, insisting that the public deserves clear and credible information rather than speculation.
