Osun Police release SSG Teslim Igbalaye, say investigation continues

The Osun State Police Command has confirmed the release of the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Mr. Teslim Igbalaye, from its custody.

Igbalaye was detained alongside five other suspects until Thursday afternoon over allegations of vote-buying-related offences after police reportedly recovered Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), cash and voters’ registers from his residence.

The police had also identified the other suspects as Abiodun Arowomole, popularly known as “Ashipa,” who was described as a wanted murder suspect on the command’s watch list, alongside Taiwo Akande, Lukman Adeyemo, Muftau Olaoye and Musiliu Aderemi.

Confirming the development, the Police Public Relations Officer for the Osun State Command, DSP Abiodun Ojelabi, said Igbalaye had been released, but investigations into the matter were still ongoing.

> “I can only tell you that the SSG, Mr. Teslim Igbalaye, has been released this afternoon, and the investigation is still ongoing,” he said.

Meanwhile, Igbalaye’s release has sparked celebrations among supporters of Governor Ademola Adeleke.

The spokesperson for the Imole Campaign Council, Pelumi Olajengbesi, commended the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, and the Osun State Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Gotan, for what he described as listening to the “voice of reason.”

> “Congratulations, People of Osun State.

> “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,” he said.

The police have maintained that investigations into the allegations of vote buying, criminal conspiracy and other related offences are continuing.