Police Arrest Three Suspects For Buying Of Permanent Voters Cards In Osun State

The  combined operatives of the Intelligence Unit of Force Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Department (FCIID), the IGP Monitoring Unit as well as the Intelligence Response Team (IRT) of the Force and Osun Police Command has arrested three suspects namely; Alhaji Fatai Diekola,  Sikiru Lawal and Adekilekun Segun all residents of Osun state, for vote buying. 

In a press release by the Police Public Relations Officer, on behalf of the Deputy Inspector-General of Police,Department of Operations (DOPS), The Nigeria Police ForceF orce Headquarters, Abuja Supervising DIG for Osun 2018 Gubernatorial Election,  SP Folasade Odoro  said that consequent upon the deployment of Police operatives from the Intelligence unit of Force Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Department (FCIID), the IGP Monitoring Unit as well as the Intelligence Response Team (IRT) of the Force and Osun Police Command to gather intelligence, arrest and prosecute any person involve in electoral offences and other crime that is contrary to the electoral act 2011 as amended. Police Operatives on 24th September, 2018, arrested tbr three suspects for buying permanent voter’s card (PVC) and causing disturbance of public peace at Adewale Street, Alekuwodo area, Osogbo. 

The Police Spokesperson further reiterated  that  the three suspects were arrested at Adewale street, Alekuwodo area, Osogbo at one of the polling units where a re-run election is scheduled to take place on Thursday 27th September, 2018, while they were said to be soliciting to buy additional PVCs from one Olawale Kazeem of No. 4B, Adewale Street, Alekuwodo area, Osogbo and Azeez Sulaiman of No. 3A, Akinlade Street, Alekuwodo. It was gathered that when the duo declined to sell their PVC, they were allegedly attacked by the supporters of the suspects. 

She reiterated that however, timely intervention of the police operatives led to the arrest of the three suspects after they were attacked and wounded by the mob. However the wounded were taken to the Police Hospital for medical treatment and currently assisting the Police in investigation into the crime and the recovery of the PVCs alleged to have been bought from other people in Osun State. The outcome of the investigation will definitely be made public.

"In the meantime, the Nigeria Police Force is assuring the good people of Osun State and other critical stakeholders its renewed commitment and resolve to ensure adequate security for a free and fair re-run election as announced by INEC in Osun State. Members of the public are however advised to desist from any action that may elicit violence as any person arrested will be made to face the full wrath of the law, the statement concluded.