The Osun State Police Command has released the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Chief Teslim Igbalaye, following his arrest and brief detention alongside five others during a high-profile raid on his Osogbo residence.
The release was confirmed on Thursday, July 30, 2026, by Pelumi Olajengbesi, spokesperson for the Imole Campaign Council, and corroborated by the Police Public Relations Officer for Osun State, DSP Abiodun Ojelabi.
Key Operational Highlights & Context
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Confirmation of Release: Pelumi Olajengbesi announced on his official page that Chief Igbalaye was released after the police leadership reconsidered the detention following public outcry and administrative representations.
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Background of the Raid: Operatives stormed the SSG’s residence in the Oroki Estate area of Osogbo on Wednesday while ward officials were holding a meeting on the premises. Police reported seizing ₦4,810,500 in cash, two Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), a voter register covering Wards 1 to 15, and office equipment.
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Allegations & Clearance: While police initially cited intelligence regarding vote merchandising and harbouring a wanted suspect (“Ashipa”), preliminary screening cleared key individuals of direct involvement, leading to the SSG’s release.
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Heightened Pre-Election Friction: The arrest and rapid release occurred against the backdrop of escalating political tension less than three weeks ahead of the August 15, 2026 Osun State Governorship Election.
┌────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│ OSUN SSG RELEASE MATRIX │
├────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│ • Released Official : Chief Teslim Igbalaye (SSG, Osun State) │
│ │
│ • Confirming Bodies : Imole Campaign Council & Osun State Police │
│ Command (DSP Abiodun Ojelabi, PPRO) │
│ │
│ • Duration : Detained Wednesday, July 29; Released Thursday, │
│ July 30, 2026. │
│ │
│ • Political Context : Tensions escalating ahead of the August 15, 2026│
│ gubernatorial election. │
└────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘
(Sources: Osun State Police Command & Imole Campaign Council Directives)
Statements & Reactions
Expressing appreciation to the police hierarchy for yielding to due process, Campaign Council Spokesperson Pelumi Olajengbesi commended the resolution:
“We sincerely appreciate the Inspector General of Police and the Commissioner of Police, Osun State Command, for listening to the voice of reason despite pressure and for responding to the people’s demand regarding the arrest of the Secretary to the State Government, Chief Igbalaye Teslim… The Nigerian Police Force best serves the nation when it stands against oppression and upholds justice and the rule of law. Our SSG is out, back, and solid.” — Pelumi Olajengbesi, Imole Campaign Council
Police authorities confirmed that full investigations into the items recovered from the premises remain ongoing as security agencies maintain heightened surveillance across the state.
Ayodele Quadri
Correspondent
