Osun Election: Police Arrest Lawmaker, 146 Merceneries

The Osun State Police Command has announced the arrest of Abiola Ibrahim, an Accord Party lawmaker representing Irewole/Isokan State Constituency in the Osun State House of Assembly, alongside 146 suspected mercenaries.

The Command’s Public Relations Officer, DSP Abiodun Ojelabi, confirmed the arrest on Saturday, saying operatives of the FBI-Intelligence Response Team carried out the operation.

Earlier reports indicated that over 100 intending voters allegedly ferried into the state by an Accord Party member ahead of today’s governorship election were apprehended.

“He was arrested in Ikire for harbouring suspected mercenaries. He was arrested with about 146 people.

“FBI-IRT arrested him. He is in their custody. He was arrested in the early hours of Saturday,” Ojelabi said.

Footage of the interception showed uniformed police officers interrogating Ibrahim at a residence over the presence of the suspected mercenaries.

In the video, the lawmaker insisted that the individuals were registered voters who came to participate in the election.

“They are voters for the election happening today. Some of them are indigenes from outside. I did not hire them. I did not promise anything. Voting is their choice. I’m not their agent,” Ibrahim said.

The police said investigations are ongoing.