The Osun State Government has accused the Nigeria Police Force of carrying out coordinated raids on the homes of top government officials, describing the actions as an attempt to intimidate the administration ahead of the state’s forthcoming governorship election.
In a statement released on Wednesday by the Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Kolapo Alimi, the government alleged that the latest operation targeted the residence of the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Teslim Igbalaye, where police officers reportedly arrested individuals attending a political meeting.
The government claimed that the ward officials were gathered at the SSG’s residence while Igbalaye was away attending an Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) stakeholders’ meeting in Osogbo when security operatives allegedly stormed the property.
Alimi alleged that the operation was led by the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of Operations and claimed that some members of the SSG’s family were also taken away during the raid.
The state government further alleged that the incident was part of a wider operation targeting senior officials, claiming that the residences of about six commissioners and other government figures had also been searched by security personnel.
It specifically alleged that the home of the Commissioner for Energy, Festus Adeyemo, in Ikire was raided on Tuesday, with officers accused of damaging property during the operation.
According to the statement, some commissioners had reported increased surveillance around their homes, while others claimed their residences were searched despite no evidence of unlawful activities.
The government also alleged that some members of the Accord Party were being detained at the Criminal Investigation Department of the Osun State Police Command without being granted bail.
Describing the development as a threat to democracy, the state government accused the police command of acting in a partisan manner and alleged that the security agency was being used to target members of the administration and political opponents.
The government argued that the timing of the raids, which coincided with INEC Chairman’s election-related engagements in the state, could undermine public confidence in the electoral process.
It appealed to the Inspector-General of Police, the National Security Adviser, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and traditional rulers to intervene and prevent what it described as politically motivated actions against government officials and Accord Party members.
The reaction followed an earlier statement by the Osun State Police Command confirming the arrest of several suspects, including SSG Teslim Igbalaye, in connection with an investigation into alleged vote-buying activities in Osogbo.
The police announcement was made by the command’s spokesperson, DSP Abiodun Ojelabi, on behalf of the Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Gotan.
BACKSTORY:
Tension has increased in Osun State ahead of the 2026 governorship election following allegations by the state government that security operatives are targeting senior officials through coordinated raids.
The controversy began after the Osun State Police Command announced the arrest of several suspects, including the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Teslim Igbalaye, as part of an investigation into alleged vote-buying activities in Osogbo.
Following the arrests, the state government accused the police of carrying out politically motivated operations against members of the administration and alleged that the residences of the SSG, some commissioners and other senior officials had been searched by security operatives.
The government described the alleged actions as intimidation and a threat to democracy, urging the Inspector-General of Police, National Security Adviser and other relevant authorities to intervene.
However, the police have maintained that their actions were linked to ongoing investigations and security operations, insisting that they are acting within the law.
The development has added to growing political tension in Osun State as parties and stakeholders prepare for the August 15, 2026 governorship election.
