…as Police release SSG
By Precious Mark
The Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice of Osun State, Oluwole Jimi-Bada (SAN), has condemned the recent police raid on the residence of the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Alhaji Teslim Igbalaye, and his subsequent detention, describing the action as a disturbing departure from due process.
Addressing a press conference in Osogbo on Thursday, the state’s chief law officer stated that while the government respects the constitutional mandate of the Nigeria Police Force and does not condone criminality, law enforcement agencies must operate within the strict confines of the law.
“Let me begin by making one point absolutely clear: the Government of Osun State recognises the constitutional role of the Nigeria Police Force. We do not oppose lawful investigation. We do not support criminality. We do not shield anyone who is properly suspected of committing an offence. Nobody is above the law,” Jimi-Bada asserted.
Providing details on the incident, he revealed that the SSG was not at home during the raid and did not evade authorities.
“Instead, upon learning that individuals had been picked up at his residence, Igbalaye voluntarily reported to the Force Headquarters to assist with inquiries and seek administrative bail for those initially arrested,” he narrated.
Warning that the development sets a dangerous precedent, the Attorney-General emphasized that if a citizen who voluntarily presents themselves to aid an investigation can be arbitrarily locked up without clear, credible grounds, the fundamental liberties of every resident are placed at risk.
“It is therefore shocking that a senior public official who voluntarily submitted himself to law enforcement authorities, not as a fugitive but as a responsible citizen, was subsequently detained,” he concluded.
Meanwhile, the Osun state Police command comfirmed the release of the Secretary to the Osun State Government (SSG) alongside other government functionaries on Thursday afternoon.
The command’s spokesperson DSP Abiodun Ojelabi confirming the release said, “I can only tell you that the SSG, Mr Teslim Igbalaye, has been released this afternoon, and the investigation is still ongoing.”