The Osun State Police Command has arrested a serving member of the state House of Assembly, Hon. Abiola Ibrahim Inaolaji, in connection with alleged electoral offences ahead of the Osun election.

Inaolaji, who represents the Irewole/Isokan State Constituency in the Osun State House of Assembly, was arrested during a police operation at his residence in Ikire on Friday night.

Police authorities said 143 suspected electoral mercenaries were also arrested during the operation, while more than 200 Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) were reportedly recovered from the premises.

According to the command, the suspects were allegedly brought into Osun State from neighbouring Ondo State as part of an attempt to influence the electoral process.

A video obtained from the operation showed the lawmaker making a preliminary statement in which he identified himself and allegedly spoke about the movement of the suspects into the state.

The police, however, said investigations were ongoing to establish the circumstances surrounding the movement of the suspects and determine the involvement of other individuals.

Preliminary investigations reportedly indicated that the suspects had been recruited to participate in unlawful electoral activities during the election.

The arrested suspects were said to have told investigators that an unidentified politician facilitated their movement and allegedly arranged voters’ cards for them.

They further alleged that they were instructed to vote in a particular manner in exchange for financial compensation.

The development comes as security agencies intensify surveillance and enforcement operations across Osun State to prevent electoral malpractice, voter inducement, intimidation and other activities capable of compromising the credibility of the election.

Confirming the arrests, the Osun State Police Command spokesperson, Abiodun Ojelabi, said investigations had commenced.

Ojelabi said the police were working to identify and arrest other persons allegedly connected to the operation who might still be at large.

He added that the investigation would also establish the full extent of the alleged network involved in the recruitment of electoral mercenaries, procurement of voters’ cards, voter inducement and other related electoral offences.

The police have continued to warn politicians, their supporters and other stakeholders against actions capable of disrupting the peaceful conduct of the Osun election.

The latest arrests are expected to heighten attention on electoral security in the state, particularly as authorities move to prevent the movement of individuals allegedly recruited to manipulate the voting process.

The suspects are expected to remain subject to investigation as the police work to determine the specific offences committed and identify all persons allegedly involved in the matter.