The Osun State Police Command has released the Secretary to the Osun State Government (SSG), Teslim Igbalaiye, hours after he was arrested during a police operation at his residence in Osogbo.

His release was confirmed on Thursday by the spokesperson for the Imole Campaign Council, Pelumi Olajengbesi, who announced the development on his verified Facebook page.

Olajengbesi expressed appreciation to the Inspector-General of Police and the Osun State Commissioner of Police for responding to public concerns, describing Igbalaiye’s release as a triumph of justice and professionalism. He also welcomed the SSG back, praising his commitment and service to the people of Osun State.

Confirming the development, the Osun State Police Public Relations Officer, Abiodun Ojelabi, said Igbalaiye had been released but emphasised that investigations into the case were still ongoing.

The SSG and five other individuals were arrested on Wednesday after police operatives raided his residence following intelligence reports alleging that suspected criminal elements were operating from the premises.

According to the police, one of those arrested, Oladele Abiodun, was on the command’s watchlist over alleged criminal offences.

Items recovered during the operation included ₦4,810,500 in cash, a Dynabook laptop, a photocopy machine, a printer, two Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) and a voter register covering Wards 1 to 15.

The police said the recovered items have been taken into custody for forensic examination, noting that the cash and electoral materials raised suspicions of possible electoral offences, including voter inducement, criminal conspiracy and harbouring a wanted suspect.

The command added that investigations are ongoing to determine whether any of the suspects will face prosecution.

Others arrested during the operation were identified as Akande Taiwo, 60; Adeyemo Lukman, 45; Olaoye Muftau, 50; and Aderemi Musliu, 40.

The arrests later triggered political controversy after Speaker of the Osun State House of Assembly, Adewale Egbedun, alleged that the operation was politically motivated. He claimed the Commissioner of Police ordered Igbalaiye’s arrest after the SSG was seen laughing when the police chief was booed during an Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) stakeholders’ meeting.

The police, however, dismissed the allegation, maintaining that the operation was intelligence-driven and conducted solely in response to suspected criminal activities and possible electoral offences.