Police recover 204 PVCs in separate operations in Ikire and Ede as investigations continue into alleged electoral malpractice
The Osun State Police Command has arrested a serving member of the State House of Assembly, Hon. Abiola Ibrahim Inaolaji, alongside 146 suspected electoral mercenaries allegedly found at his residence in Ikire, Irewole Local Government Area.
Inaolaji, who represents Irewole/Isokan State Constituency, was arrested in the early hours of Saturday during a police operation at his residence, where 200 Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) were also reportedly recovered.
The Police Public Relations Officer, Abiodun Ojelabi, confirmed the arrest, saying the operation was conducted as part of intensified security measures to prevent activities capable of undermining the credibility of the Osun governorship election.
A video obtained after the arrest showed the lawmaker making a preliminary statement in which he identified himself and allegedly said he facilitated the movement of the 146 suspects into Osun State from neighbouring states to participate in the election.
The police said the allegation remained under investigation.
In a separate operation at Babs Hotel behind the State High Court in Ede, operatives of the Anti-Robbery Section and Violent Crime Response Unit arrested 33 suspected electoral mercenaries, comprising 30 males and three females.
According to the police, preliminary investigations indicated that the suspects were brought into Osun from Ondo State for alleged unlawful electoral activities. Four PVCs were recovered from them.
The suspects reportedly told investigators that an unidentified politician recruited them and promised them financial rewards in exchange for voting.
The police said further investigation would establish the identities of those behind the alleged recruitment and determine the roles played by the suspects.