The Osun State Police Command has arrested a serving member of the Osun State House of Assembly, Hon. Abiola Ibrahim Inaolaji, alongside 146 suspected electoral mercenaries allegedly camped at his residence in Ikire.
The lawmaker, who represents the Irewole/Isokan State Constituency, was reportedly arrested on Friday night during a police operation at his residence.
Police authorities said more than 200 Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) were recovered during the operation.
A video clip circulating in connection with the arrest showed the lawmaker making a preliminary statement, identifying himself and allegedly acknowledging his involvement in facilitating the movement of the suspects into Osun State.
According to the police, the suspects were allegedly brought into the state from neighbouring states, particularly Ondo State, to participate in unlawful activities ahead of the election.
The command said preliminary investigations indicated that the suspects had allegedly been recruited to participate in electoral activities in exchange for financial rewards.
The suspects reportedly told investigators that an unidentified politician allegedly facilitated the procurement of voters’ cards for them and instructed them to vote in the election.
The development comes amid intensified security operations by the police and other security agencies ahead of the Osun election, with authorities warning against activities capable of compromising the credibility and peaceful conduct of the poll.
Confirming the arrest, the Police Public Relations Officer, Abiodun Ojelabi, said investigations had commenced.
Ojelabi said the investigation would focus on identifying other individuals allegedly connected to the recruitment and movement of the suspects, as well as determining the circumstances surrounding the recovery of the PVCs.
The police spokesperson added that efforts were ongoing to apprehend other suspected accomplices who may still be at large.
The command said it was also investigating allegations bordering on voter inducement, unlawful possession or procurement of voters’ cards, recruitment of electoral mercenaries and other offences connected with the election.
The arrest of the lawmaker and the suspected recruits is expected to generate further political reactions in Osun as security agencies intensify surveillance and enforcement ahead of the poll.
However, the allegations remain subject to investigation, and the arrest of the lawmaker does not in itself establish guilt. Hon. Abiola Ibrahim Inaolaji and the other suspects are entitled to due process and the presumption of innocence until proven guilty by a competent court.