The Osun State Police Command has released the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Teslim Igbalaiye, alongside five others, following their arrest during a Wednesday raid on his Osogbo residence.
The release was confirmed on Thursday by both police command spokesperson Abiodun Ojelabi and Pelumi Olajengbesi, spokesperson for Governor Ademola Adeleke’s Imole Campaign Council.
Commending the police leadership for responding to public outcry, Olajengbesi expressed gratitude to the Inspector-General of Police and the state Police Commissioner for listening to the voice of reason.
“The Nigerian Police Force best serves the nation when it stands against oppression and upholds justice and the rule of law. Welcome back, Chief Igbalaye Teslim. Your courage and sacrifice for the people of Osun State will not be forgotten. Our SSG is out, back and solid,” Olajengbesi wrote on Facebook.
The development follows explosive claims by the Speaker of the Osun State House of Assembly, Adewale Egbedun, who alleged that Police Commissioner Ibrahim Gotan personally ordered the arrest out of retaliation after being booed at an electoral meeting where Igbalaiye was seen laughing.
Police authorities, however, maintained that the operation was an intelligence-led raid targeting a suspected criminal gang hiding in Osogbo. According to Ojelabi, those arrested at the residence included a watchlist suspect, Oladele Abiodun, alongside Akande Taiwo, 60; Adeyemo Lukman, 45; Olaoye Muftau, 50; and Aderemi Musliu, 40.