The arrests have sparked a fresh war of words between Governor Ademola Adeleke’s administration and the police, with the state government alleging political persecution while security authorities insist the operation was intelligence-driven.

Government Alleges Raid on SSG’s Residence

The Osun State Government accused the police of storming Igbalaiye’s residence without obtaining a search warrant. In a statement issued by the Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Kolapo Alimi, the government alleged that a combined team of officers led by the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of Operations searched the premises and arrested several people found there.

According to Alimi, the operation took place while the SSG was attending an Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) stakeholders’ forum, with ward officials reportedly holding a meeting at his residence when security operatives arrived. The government claimed members of Igbalaiye’s family were also taken away during the operation.

The commissioner further alleged that similar raids had recently been carried out at the residences of several commissioners and other senior government officials. He claimed the Commissioner for Energy’s residence in Ikire was searched and property damaged, while other officials reported surveillance and police visits despite no evidence of criminal activity.

Adeleke Administration Condemns Arrests

Governor Ademola Adeleke’s administration described the police operations as an abuse of power and accused the Osun State Police Command of acting in the interest of the opposition All Progressives Congress (APC).

The government argued that the series of arrests and house raids amounted to intimidation ahead of the governorship election and warned that the actions could undermine public confidence in the electoral process.

Alimi urged the Inspector-General of Police, the National Security Adviser, President Bola Tinubu, traditional rulers and other stakeholders to intervene, warning that continued security operations targeting government officials could threaten peace and order in the state.

Adeleke Campaign Raises Alarm Over Detentions

The Adeleke Campaign Council also criticised the arrests, claiming that more than 86 supporters of the Accord Party had been detained across Osun State within the last few days.

Campaign spokesperson Pelumi Olajengbesi, who addressed journalists after visiting the Force Intelligence Response Team headquarters in Abuja, alleged that many of those arrested were transported to Abuja without lawful justification.

He further claimed that 36 detainees had been moved to Keffi Correctional Centre while another 14 were transferred to Kuje Correctional Centre despite not being formally charged with any offence.

Olajengbesi also accused the Osun State Commissioner of Police of compromising the neutrality required to conduct a credible governorship election, calling on the Inspector-General of Police to intervene and guarantee a level playing field for all political parties.

Police Reject Allegations

The Osun State Police Command denied claims that dozens of people had been arrested.

Speaking on the matter, the command’s spokesperson, Yemisi Opalola Ojelabi, said only six suspects were taken into custody. According to the police, all those arrested are adults and were apprehended based on credible intelligence gathered during ongoing security operations.

The command dismissed reports suggesting that 56 or 86 people had been arrested, insisting the operation was conducted in line with intelligence available to investigators.

Election Security Under Spotlight

The latest developments come just days before Osun residents head to the polls to elect a governor, with political parties expressing concerns over security arrangements.

The disagreement between the state government and the police has heightened anxieties over the conduct of the election, as opposition parties and civil society groups continue to call for neutrality from security agencies and electoral stakeholders.

As investigations continue and political rhetoric intensifies, attention is expected to remain focused on how security agencies manage the electoral process and whether the dispute will affect preparations for the governorship poll.