Osun election: Police arrest 295 suspects

The Nigeria Police Force has arrested 295 suspects in connection with various incidents recorded during Saturday’s Osun State governorship election.

Of the 295 suspects apprehended, 293 were released on bail after undergoing screening, while two remained in police custody for further investigation and possible prosecution.

The arrests formed part of heightened security operations deployed across the state to prevent electoral violence, vote-buying and other offences capable of disrupting the election.

Speaking with newsmen on Sunday, the Force spokesperson, Ani Iniedu, confirmed that two suspects were still being held pending the conclusion of investigations into the allegations against them.

“295 suspects were arrested during the election, and 293 have been released on bail after screening. So, we have two of them in custody for prosecution,” he said.

The police had warned political parties, candidates, supporters and other stakeholders against actions that could undermine the electoral process, stressing that offenders would be arrested and prosecuted in accordance with the law.

Meanwhile, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, said its personnel did not arrest suspect during the election.

NSCDC spokesperson, Afolabi Babawale, said the Corps deployed a comprehensive security arrangement across the state’s local government areas and wards to deter potential troublemakers and respond promptly to emerging security threats.

He explained that the deployment involved both armed and unarmed personnel stationed at strategic locations, with the objective of protecting voters, polling units and electoral materials.

“Three fully armed patrol teams, equipped with Hilux vehicles, were stationed in every local government area to maintain a visible deterrent and respond to major incidents,” Babawale said.

He added that three unarmed officers were assigned to each polling centre to maintain order and monitor activities, while two armed personnel were positioned about 500 metres away from every polling centre.

“Two armed personnel were positioned 500 metres away from each polling centre, bringing the total deployment to five officers assigned to cover each polling unit,” he said.

The security measures were aimed at maintaining law and order throughout the voting, counting and other stages of the electoral process.