The Secretary to the Osun State Government (SSG), Teslim Igbalaiye, has regained his freedom after being detained by the Osun State Police Command following a raid on his residence in Osogbo.
His release was announced on Thursday by the spokesperson of the Imole Campaign Council, Pelumi Olajengbesi, through a post on his verified Facebook page. Olajengbesi expressed appreciation to the Inspector-General of Police and the Osun State Commissioner of Police for responding to public calls for the SSG’s release.
“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 Teslim Igbalaiye.
“The Nigerian Police Force best serves the nation when it stands against oppression and upholds justice and the rule of law. “Welcome back, Chief Teslim Igbalaiye. Your courage and sacrifice for the people of Osun State will not be forgotten. Our SSG is out, back and solid,” he wrote.
The Osun State Police Public Relations Officer, Abiodun Ojelabi, also confirmed the SSG’s release in a telephone interview with journalists. Igbalaiye and five others were arrested on Wednesday after police officers raided his residence in Osogbo. According to the police, the operation followed intelligence reports alleging that suspected criminals were using the location as a hideout.
During the operation, officers reportedly arrested a suspect identified as Oladele Abiodun, who was said to be on the police watchlist over alleged criminal activities. Police also disclosed that they recovered ₦4,810,500 in cash, two Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), a voter register, a Dynabook laptop, a photocopy machine and a printer from the residence.
The other individuals arrested alongside the SSG were identified as Akande Taiwo, 60; Adeyemo Lukman, 45; Olaoye Muftau, 50; and Aderemi Musliu, 40.Following the arrests, members of Governor Ademola Adeleke’s re-election campaign team demanded the immediate release of the SSG and the other detainees.
Addressing journalists after visiting the Force Intelligence Response Team headquarters in Abuja, Olajengbesi alleged that more than 86 members of the campaign organisation had been arrested across Osun State without lawful justification.
