Osun State Police Command has arrested 143 individuals suspected of being electoral mercenaries during a raid on the Ikire residence of Abiola Ibrahim Inaolaji, a serving member of the Osun State House of Assembly representing Irewole/Isokan State Constituency. The operation, conducted on Friday night, also led to the arrest of Inaolaji and the recovery of more than 200 Permanent Voter Cards.
Police Public Relations Officer Abiodun Ojelabi confirmed the arrests, stating that preliminary investigations indicate the suspects were recruited from Ondo State and transported to Osun to participate in unlawful electoral activities. In a video clip circulating among investigators, Inaolaji allegedly identified himself and admitted to facilitating the movement of the group into the state for the governorship election.
Some of the detained individuals reportedly told investigators they were recruited by an unidentified politician who allegedly procured voters’ cards for them and offered financial incentives in exchange for their votes. The suspects claimed they were instructed to vote as directed in return for payment.
Ojelabi said the investigation has expanded to identify other individuals linked to the alleged network. Authorities are working to establish the full scope of the operation and apprehend additional accomplices still at large, particularly those connected to the recruitment of electoral mercenaries, voter inducement, and related offences.
The arrests underscore persistent concerns over electoral integrity in off-cycle governorship contests, where voter card trafficking and the mobilization of non-resident voters have been recurrent issues. Security agencies have previously warned that such practices undermine democratic processes and violate electoral laws.
As the investigation continues, the police have not disclosed whether formal charges have been filed against Inaolaji or the suspects. The case is expected to draw scrutiny from electoral observers and civil society groups monitoring compliance with Nigeria’s electoral framework. Further updates are anticipated as investigators pursue leads on the broader network allegedly involved in the scheme.
