Osun election: Police arrest 295 suspects

The Nigeria Police Force has apprehended 295 individuals in relation to various events that occurred during Saturday's Osun State governorship election. Out of the 295 suspects, 293 have been released on bail following a screening process, leaving two suspects in police custody for further investigation and potential prosecution.

These arrests were part of intensified security operations implemented across the state to deter electoral violence, vote-buying, and other actions that could disrupt the election. Force spokesperson Ani Iniedu confirmed that two suspects remain in custody as investigations into the allegations against them continue. The police had previously warned political parties, candidates, supporters, and other stakeholders against actions that could undermine the electoral process, stating that offenders would be arrested and prosecuted according to the law.

Meanwhile, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) reported that their personnel did not participate in the arrest of suspects during the election. NSCDC spokesperson Afolabi Babawale explained that the Corps deployed a comprehensive security arrangement across the state's local government areas and wards to prevent potential troublemakers and respond promptly to any security threats.

This deployment included three fully armed patrol teams stationed in every local government area, three unarmed officers assigned to each polling centre, and two armed personnel positioned about 500 meters away from every polling centre, resulting in a total of five officers assigned to cover each polling unit. These security measures were put in place to ensure law and order during the voting, counting, and other stages of the electoral process.