Others arrested alongside Igbalaye were identified as Akande Taiwo, 60; Adeyemo Lukman, 45; Olaoye Muftau, 50; and Aderemi Musliu, 40.

The PPRO said a police team, acting on intelligence that members of a criminal gang were hiding at a location in Osogbo, carried out a lawful raid and apprehended the suspects.

“The operation also led to the arrest of the following suspects: Hon Igbalaye Teslim ‘m’ 47years, One Akande Taiwo ‘m’ 60years, Oladele Abiodun ‘m’ 38years, Adeyemo Lukman ‘m’ 45years, Olaoye Muftau ‘m’ 50years, Aderemi Musliu ‘m’ 40years.

“During the operation, officers recovered exhibits comprising cash sum of four million eight hundred and ten thousand, five hundred naira (N4,810,500), one Dynabook laptop, one photocopy machine, one printer, two Voter’s Cards and a voter register for Wards 1-15.

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“These exhibits have been secured and are currently in police custody for detailed forensic examination and further investigation.

“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, which may include:

“Bribery of voters (vote-buying), contrary to Section 121 of the Electoral Act, 2022, arising from the alleged distribution of money or other inducements to registered voters for the purpose of influencing their voting decisions.

“Criminal conspiracy, where two or more persons are found to have agreed to commit an unlawful act.

“Harbouring or concealing a wanted criminal, where any individual is found to have knowingly sheltered or assisted a fugitive from justice.

“Any other offences that may be disclosed upon the conclusion of the ongoing investigation,” the statement read in part.

The command emphasised that the allegations against the suspects have far-reaching implications for public security, the administration of justice and the credibility of the democratic process.

“Accordingly, investigations are being intensified to identify all persons connected with the recovered exhibits, establish the source and intended use of the recovered funds, and determine the full extent of any criminal enterprise,” the statement added.

The Osun Command said no individual, irrespective of social status, political affiliation or public office, is above the law, adding that anyone found culpable at the conclusion of investigations would be prosecuted in accordance with the Constitution.

It urged members of the public to remain calm, law-abiding and continue providing credible information to assist the police in preventing crime and ensuring peaceful, free, fair and credible electoral processes.

The PUNCH reports that the Osun State Government on Wednesday accused the state command of the Nigeria Police Force of invading the residence of the Secretary to the State Government, Teslim Igbalaye, without a search warrant.

The allegation was contained in a statement signed by the state Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Kolapo Alimi, a copy of which was obtained by The PUNCH in Osogbo.

He also claimed that those the police met on the premises were arrested.

Alimi further alleged that the SSG’s residence was burst into by a combined team of police officers led by the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of Operations.

Naija News reports that Amupitan made the declaration at a stakeholders’ meeting including political parties, civil society organisations and others in Osogbo on Wednesday.

“The Independent National Electoral Commission has no preferred candidate, holds no political allegiance, and seeks no outcome other than the lawful choice of the electorate, our sole loyalty is to the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the sovereign will of the Nigerian people,” Amupitan said.

He added that democracy can only thrive when citizens exercise their constitutional right to vote, describing voter apathy as one of the greatest threats to Nigeria’s democratic progress.

“Apathy is the silent killer of democratic progress, and we must confront it head-on.

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He also urged the people of Osun not to be deterred by the spread of violence, urging them not to allow fear, apathy or misinformation to keep them away from the polls.

“Do not allow fear, apathy, or misinformation to silence your voice. Turn out peacefully on Saturday, 15th August 2026, vote your conscience, and trust that this Commission will protect the sanctity of every valid ballot.

“Our commitment is simple: no citizen should have to choose between their safety and their right to vote,” he said.

He also reminded political parties and candidates to uphold the Peace Accord, warning that “rhetoric that incites violence or the deployment of political thugs will be met with decisive state force.”

He called on all eligible voters to come out in mass on election day and make their voices heard through the ballot box, saying, “let the streets of Osun State lead to the polling units on that day. Let your voices be heard, and let your votes count.”

He explained that he made the decision after careful consideration and discussions with his family. However, he did not disclose his next political move or indicate whether he would join another party.

Ngalda thanked the APC leadership at the ward, local government, state and national levels for giving him the opportunity to serve. He also expressed appreciation to the Gombe State Government for its support during his tenure.

“I wish to use this opportunity to express my sincere appreciation to the party at the Local Government, State and National levels for the opportunity given to me to serve in this capacity. I am equally grateful to the Gombe State Government for the support and cooperation extended throughout my tenure,” he said.

“Although I am stepping away from my position and membership, I will continue to hold the party and its ideals in high regard, and I wish it continued growth and success,” he added.