Osun police raids on SSG residence are political intimidation — state government alleges

Osun State government has accused the Nigeria Police of carrying out coordinated raids on the homes of senior officials, including the residence of Secretary to the State Government Teslim Igbalaye. According to a statement from Commissioner for Information Kolapo Alimi, police officers led by the Deputy Commissioner of Operations entered the SSG's premises while Igbalaye was at an INEC stakeholders' forum in Osogbo. The government claims family members were taken to unknown destinations and that about six commissioners' homes have also been searched.

The government says these operations are part of a campaign of repression targeting the Accord Party ahead of the governorship election. Alimi alleged that the police command has become a direct tool in the hands of Osun APC, and that detained party members are being held without bail at the CID. The police, through spokesperson DSP Abiodun Ojelabi, confirmed the arrest of Igbalaye and others, linking it to an investigation into alleged vote buying.

The government is now calling on the Inspector-General of Police, the NSA, and President Tinubu to intervene, warning that the situation is reaching a boiling point. If the police can raid the SSG's home and arrest his family without a warrant, what hope do ordinary citizens have of fair treatment?