Photo: Abiola Ibrahim Inaolaji, Osun legislator.
By: Chika Joseph
Some of the 143 suspects arrested during the operation brought to police station for interrogation.
The Police in Osun State Friday night arrested a current member of the Osun State House of Assembly, Abiola Ibrahim Inaolaji, when his residence in Ikire was raided, allegedly discovering over 143 suspected electoral mercenaries.
The lawmaker, who represents the Irewole/Isokan State Constituency, was arrested during a security operation ahead of the Local Government election.
Police also said they recovered over 200 Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) during the operation, raising concerns over alleged vote-buying and election manipulation.
A video that surfaced online shows Ibrahim making what appears to be a preliminary statement after his arrest. In the clip, he identifies himself and allegedly admits to helping transport the suspects into Osun State from neighbouring States for the election.
The police said initial findings suggested the suspects were brought into Osun State from Ondo State to take part in illegal electoral activities.
Investigators also claimed some of the suspects confessed they were recruited by a politician whose identity is yet to be confirmed. They allegedly told police that voters’ cards were arranged for them and that they were promised money in exchange for casting votes.
The arrest came as security agencies stepped up operations across Osun State to prevent violence, vote-buying and other offences that could affect the credibility of the election.
Confirming the development, Abiodun Ojelabi, the Police Public Relations Officer in Osun State, said investigations were ongoing.
He said investigations had commenced to identify and arrest other accomplices still on the run, while authorities also work to uncover “the full extent of the alleged network involved in the recruitment of electoral mercenaries, voter inducement and other related offences”.
There had been no official response from the lawmaker regarding the allegations beyond the video circulating online as at press time. The police investigation is still ongoing.
