Tension gripped Osogbo on Wednesday night after operatives of the Nigeria Police Force detained the Secretary to the Osun State Government, SSG, alongside five other persons over allegations of vote-buying and inducement ahead of the state’s governorship election.The arrests sparked sharp reactions from political stakeholders, with the opposition demanding immediate release while the police insisted the operation was based on credible intelligence and had nothing to do with intimidation.
What Happened in Osogbo
According to the Osun State Police Command, six adults were apprehended during a targeted operation carried out in the residence of the SSG. The Command’s spokesperson, DSP Abiodun Ojelabi, told PUNCH Online that contrary to claims of a mass crackdown, “Just six persons were arrested. All adults. The youngest among them should be 40 years.” He added that the police did not invade the houses of commissioners, but acted “based on information” and effected the arrests in the SSG’s house. The Adeleke campaign group alleged that the SSG was picked up while sensitising residents about the election, and that several other party leaders were also detained “without justification”.
The group called on the Inspector-General of Police to intervene and ensure a level playing field ahead of the poll.
Police Response to Vote-Buying Concerns
Vote-buying has remained a major talking point in Osun elections. Security agencies have repeatedly warned against cash inducement near polling units. In previous Osun polls, the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, ICPC, arrested four persons in Osun State during the Presidential and National Assembly elections. The suspects were found with documents containing lists of names, phone numbers and account details of voters. The ICPC named them as Adewale Teslim, 32; Yemi Adebiyi, 42; Shake Idris, 36; and Emiola Joseph Oluwole, 69.
The Nigeria Police Force has also confirmed multiple arrests in past elections. In one instance, three suspects, Muriat Olalekan, 61; Hamzat Muniru, 65; and Adeagbo Wasiu — were arrested for allegedly inducing voters, with N720,000 recovered. INEC has further secured convictions. The Resident Electoral Commissioner in Osun, Mutiu Agboke, disclosed that nine persons arrested for vote buying in the state have been convicted.
Context of the Current Arrest
The detention of the SSG comes at a politically charged moment, with campaigns intensifying ahead of the governorship election. The opposition described the arrests as an attempt to suppress mobilisation, while the police maintained that the action was purely intelligence-driven and not targeted at any political party.
DSP Ojelabi dismissed allegations that security operatives invaded residences of government officials, stating that the team only went to the SSG’s house based on information received. On calls for the removal of the Commissioner of Police, he said the decision rested with the Inspector-General of Police, who made the posting.
The development also revived past accusations of electoral malpractice in the state. In 2022, a socio-political group, Osun Shall Rise Again, called for the arrest of former SSG Moshood Adeoti over alleged revelations about vote-buying in a 2018 re-run election. The group argued at the time that arrests would help proper investigation and serve as a deterrent.
Wider Crackdown on Electoral Offences
The arrest in Osun fits into a broader pattern of anti-graft agencies stepping up enforcement around elections. During the 2023 general elections, ICPC announced the arrest of nine persons for vote-buying across Osun, Ondo, Borno, Akwa Ibom and Sokoto states.
INEC has also intensified its voter registration safeguards, updating machines to prevent multiple registrations and warning that anyone caught in the act would be arrested.
Stakeholders in Osun have urged the police and other agencies to remain neutral and ensure due process. The REC has consistently called for cooperation from the media and political parties to ensure a free, fair and credible election.
As of the last update, the six suspects including the SSG remain in police custody while investigations continue. The police have not announced charges, and the Osun State Government has not issued an official statement on the detention of its top official.
With the election weeks away, the incident is likely to shape the conversation around electoral integrity, security deployment, and the use of state resources during campaigns. For now, the police insist the arrests are about enforcing the law, while political actors are watching closely to see how the case proceeds.
