The Nigeria Police Force has disclosed that 295 suspects were arrested for various offences during Saturday’s Osun State governorship election as part of efforts to maintain security and ensure a peaceful electoral process.
According to the police, 293 of the suspects were granted bail after undergoing screening procedures, while two remain in custody pending the conclusion of investigations and possible prosecution.
The arrests were made during extensive security operations carried out across the state to curb electoral offences, including violence, voter intimidation and vote-buying.
Speaking to journalists on Sunday, Force spokesperson Ani Iniedu confirmed that only two suspects were still being held by the police.
“Two hundred and ninety-five suspects were arrested during the election. After screening, 293 were released on bail, while two remain in custody and may face prosecution upon the conclusion of investigations,” he said.
The police reiterated their earlier warning to political parties, candidates, supporters and other stakeholders against engaging in activities capable of undermining the integrity of the electoral process, stressing that anyone found violating electoral laws would be dealt with in accordance with the law.
Meanwhile, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) said it did not record any arrests during the election despite deploying personnel across the state to support security operations.
NSCDC spokesperson, Afolabi Babawale, said the Corps implemented an extensive security plan covering all local government areas and wards in Osun State to prevent disruptions and ensure the safety of voters and election officials.
According to him, both armed and unarmed officers were strategically positioned to safeguard polling units, electoral materials and members of the public throughout the exercise.
Babawale explained that three armed patrol teams equipped with operational vehicles were stationed in each local government area to provide rapid response to security incidents and serve as a deterrent to potential troublemakers.
He added that three unarmed officers were deployed to every polling unit to maintain order and monitor activities, while two armed personnel were stationed approximately 500 metres away from each polling centre to provide additional security support.
“Three fully armed patrol teams with Hilux vehicles were deployed to each local government area, while three unarmed officers were assigned to every polling unit. In addition, two armed personnel were positioned about 500 metres away from each polling centre, bringing the total security coverage to five officers per polling unit,” he stated.
The security agencies said the coordinated deployment was designed to ensure a peaceful environment during voting, vote counting and the collation of results, contributing to the generally calm atmosphere reported across much of the state during the governorship election.
Osun Election: Police Arrest 295 Suspects, NSCDC Reports No Arrests
