The Osun State Police Command has announced the arrest of a suspected gang leader, Abiodun Arowomole, popularly known as "Ashipa," alongside six other suspects during an intelligence-led operation in Osogbo that also led to the recovery of ₦4,810,500 and materials suspected to be linked to vote buying.
According to a statement issued on Tuesday by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Abiodun Ojelabi, the operation was carried out following "credible and actionable intelligence" that a criminal gang was operating around the Oroki Estate area of Osogbo.
The command said the wanted suspect, who had been on its watch list in connection with alleged offences including murder, was arrested at a residential property reportedly linked to the Secretary to the Osun State Government (SSG).
During the operation, police recovered ₦4,810,500 in cash, one Dynabook laptop, one photocopy machine, one printer, two Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), and a voter register covering Wards 1 to 15.
The police stated that all the recovered items had been taken into custody for forensic examination and further investigation.
Six other suspects arrested during the operation were identified as Hon. Igbalaye Teslim (47), Akande Taiwo (60), Oladele Abiodun (38), Adeyemo Lukman (45), Olaoye Muftau (50), and Aderemi Musliu (40).
According to the statement, the suspects were found within the premises during the operation and have since been taken into lawful custody.
The command noted that the recovery of the cash and voter register "raises serious concerns regarding possible electoral offences and other criminal activities."
It added that investigators were examining possible offences including bribery of voters (vote buying) under Section 121 of the Electoral Act, 2022, criminal conspiracy, harbouring or concealing a wanted criminal, as well as any other offences that may emerge during the investigation.
The statement read: "The recovery of the cash and the register containing voters' details raises serious concerns regarding possible electoral offences and other criminal activities. While investigations are still ongoing, the facts presently available disclose reasonable grounds to investigate the commission of offences."
Assuring residents of the command's commitment to impartial law enforcement, the police said no individual would be shielded from investigation.
"The Nigeria Police Force remains steadfast in its constitutional responsibility to enforce the law without fear or favour, affection or ill will. No individual, irrespective of social status, political affiliation, or public office, is above the law," the statement said.
The command further assured that anyone found culpable at the conclusion of investigations would be prosecuted in accordance with the law.
Police also appealed to members of the public to remain calm and continue providing credible information that would assist security agencies in ensuring peaceful, free, fair and credible electoral processes in the state.
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