BREAKING NEWS: Osun Governorship Election: Police Arrest Lawmaker Over Alleged Importation of Electoral Mercenaries

The Osun State Police Command has arrested a serving member of the State House of Assembly, Hon. Abiola Ibrahim, over allegations of importing electoral mercenaries into the state ahead of the forthcoming governorship election.

Hon. Ibrahim, who represents the Irewole/Isokan Constituency in the Osun State House of Assembly, was reportedly apprehended on Friday night during a police operation aimed at strengthening election security across the state.

According to the police, the lawmaker made a preliminary statement in which he allegedly admitted to facilitating the movement of 146 individuals into Osun State for the purpose of participating in the election. Authorities further disclosed that more than 200 Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) were recovered during the operation, while the 146 suspects were allegedly found at his residence.

The arrest comes as part of intensified efforts by security agencies to safeguard the integrity of the electoral process and prevent activities capable of disrupting a free and fair election.

Additional Arrests in Ede

In a separate operation, officers attached to the Anti-Robbery Section and the Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU) arrested 33 suspected electoral mercenaries at Babs Hotel, located behind the State High Court in Ede.

The suspects, comprising 30 males and three females, were reportedly apprehended following credible intelligence indicating the presence of individuals allegedly assembled for unlawful electoral activities.

Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspects were allegedly transported from Ondo State to Osun State to participate in illegal election-related operations. During interrogation, some of the suspects reportedly claimed they had been recruited by an unidentified individual who arranged voters’ cards for them and promised financial rewards in exchange for voting.

Police authorities confirmed that four voters’ cards were recovered from the suspects and taken into custody as exhibits.

Investigation Ongoing

The command stated that investigations are underway to identify and arrest other individuals connected to the alleged network involved in electoral malpractice, voter inducement, and related offences.

Speaking on the development, the Commissioner of Police in charge of election security, CP Samuel Etaifo Erale, reaffirmed the command’s commitment to ensuring a peaceful, transparent, and credible election in Osun State.

He warned individuals or groups planning to engage in activities capable of undermining the electoral process to desist, stressing that the police would take decisive action against electoral offenders in accordance with the law.

The commissioner also urged residents to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious movements or activities to security agencies through the nearest police station or designated emergency lines.

The Osun State Police Command assured citizens of its readiness to maintain law and order before, during, and after the governorship election, emphasizing its determination to protect the credibility of the democratic process.