A serving member of the Osun State House of Assembly, Hon. Abiola Ibrahim Inaolaji, was arrested by police during a raid on his residence in Ikire ahead of the local government election. The arrest was made on Friday night as part of a security operation aimed at preventing violence, vote buying and other offences that could affect the election's credibility.
Alleged Electoral Scandal Rocks Osun
The police allegedly recovered over 200 Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) and 143 suspected electoral mercenaries at Inaolaji's residence. According to the police, the suspects were brought into Osun State from Ondo State to take part in illegal electoral activities. The Osun State Police Command has launched further investigations to identify other alleged sponsors and accomplices.
A video that surfaced online showed Inaolaji making a preliminary statement after his arrest. In the clip, he identified himself and allegedly admitted to helping transport the suspects into Osun from neighbouring states for the election. The police said initial findings suggest the suspects were brought into Osun State from Ondo State to take part in illegal electoral activities.
Suspects Claimed to Have Been Recruited by a Politician
Some of the 143 suspects arrested during the operation were escorted into police custody for questioning. Investigators claimed that 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 comes as security agencies step up operations across Osun to prevent violence, vote buying and other offences that could affect the election's credibility. Confirming the development, the Police Public Relations Officer in Osun State, Abiodun Ojelabi, said investigations were ongoing.
Investigation Continues
As of the time of filing this report, there has been no official response from Inaolaji regarding the allegations beyond the video circulating online. The police investigation is still ongoing, and no court has convicted any of the suspects. The full extent of the alleged network involved in the recruitment of electoral mercenaries, voter inducement and other related offences is yet to be uncovered.
Source: Pulse.ng
