The Osun State Police Command has confirmed the arrest of Abiola Ibrahim, an Accord Party lawmaker representing Irewole/Isokan Constituency, alongside 146 individuals alleged to be mercenaries.
Police spokesperson DSP Abiodun Ojelabi disclosed on Saturday that the operation was carried out by the Federal Bureau of Investigation–Intelligence Response Team (FBI-IRT).
According to him, Ibrahim was apprehended in Ikire in the early hours of the day for allegedly harbouring the suspects.Earlier reports indicated that over 100 people, believed to have been imported into the state ahead of the gubernatorial election, were intercepted by security operatives.
Video footage from the scene showed officers questioning Ibrahim about the presence of the large group at his residence.In the recording, the lawmaker insisted the individuals were legitimate voters.
“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,” he said.
The suspects remain in police custody as investigations continue
