The Osun State Police Command has arrested serving State House of Assembly member Hon. Abiola Ibrahim Inaolaji and 143 suspected electoral mercenaries allegedly camped at his residence in Ikire.
The lawmaker, who represents Irewole/Isokan State Constituency, was arrested on Friday night during a police operation. More than 200 Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) were reportedly recovered.
In a video clip, Ibrahim was seen giving a preliminary statement, identifying himself and allegedly confessing to helping move the 146 suspects into Osun from neighbouring states to vote in the election.
The arrest came as police stepped up security operations ahead of the election to stop activities that could undermine the electoral process.
Police said preliminary investigations showed the suspects were brought into Osun from Ondo State to take part in unlawful electoral activities.
The suspects reportedly told investigators they were recruited by an unidentified politician who allegedly helped obtain voters’ cards for them and directed them to vote in return for financial rewards.
Police spokesperson Abiodun Ojelabi confirmed the incident, saying investigations had begun to identify and arrest other accomplices still at large. He added that the probe would establish the full extent of the alleged network involved in recruiting electoral mercenaries, voter inducement and other related offences.
