The Nigeria Police Force has confirmed the arrest of 295 suspects in connection with various incidents recorded during Saturday’s Osun State governorship election, with two of the suspects set to face prosecution after the conclusion of preliminary investigations.
The police disclosed that 293 suspects were granted bail after undergoing screening, while two others remain in custody for further investigation over offences allegedly committed during the election.
The arrests formed part of an extensive security operation mounted across Osun State to prevent electoral violence, vote-buying, voter intimidation, ballot snatching and other acts capable of undermining the credibility of the governorship poll.
The Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Ani Iniedu, said the suspects still in detention would be prosecuted if investigations established their culpability.“A total of 295 suspects were arrested during the election, and 293 have been released on bail after screening. We have two suspects still in custody for prosecution,” he said.
According to the police, security operatives acted on intelligence and reports received from various locations across the state, leading to the arrest of individuals suspected of violating electoral laws.
The Force noted that the operation was part of broader measures introduced to guarantee a peaceful, transparent and credible governorship election.
Prior to the poll, the police had warned political parties, candidates, supporters and other stakeholders against engaging in acts of violence, vote-buying, destruction of electoral materials or any conduct capable of disrupting the electoral process, insisting that offenders would face the full weight of the law.