Police operatives on Saturday questioned a member of the Osun State House of Assembly, Abiola Waheed Ibrahim, after about 146 people were found gathered at a private residence in Ikire during the state governorship election.
The incident occurred as voting commenced across the state, with security agencies maintaining a heightened presence to prevent voter intimidation, electoral violence and other forms of malpractice.
A video circulating on social media showed armed police officers questioning Ibrahim at the property, which the lawmaker identified as belonging to his late father, Raji Ibrahim.
The 146 individuals were seen sitting inside the premises as the operatives questioned the lawmaker over their presence.
Asked why the people were gathered at the residence on election day, Ibrahim told the officers that they were voters participating in the poll.
“They are voters for the election happening today,” he said.
The operatives subsequently asked whether the people were registered voters residing in the Ikire community.
Ibrahim acknowledged that the group included both locals and people from outside the area.
“Some of them are, some of them are indigenes from outside. I did not hire them. I did not promise anything,” he said.
The officers also questioned him about the political affiliation of the people and whether he was mobilising them for a particular candidate.
Ibrahim, who confirmed his membership of the Accord Party, said the voters were free to decide who to support.
“Voting is their choice. I’m not their agent,” he responded.
The video also showed security operatives holding Permanent Voter Cards reportedly found at the location.
Later reports indicated that the police had arrested Ibrahim alongside the 146 people, with more than 200 PVCs reportedly recovered during the operation.
The individuals were described in some reports as suspected electoral mercenaries, although the allegation has not been established in court.
The development has heightened concerns over voter mobilisation in the election, particularly as security agencies stepped up surveillance across Osun ahead of and during Saturday’s poll.
The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, had earlier deployed Deputy Inspector-General of Police Ishyaku Mohammed to coordinate security operations for the election.
The police also issued warnings against ballot snatching, voter intimidation, thuggery and other activities capable of disrupting the electoral process.
Ibrahim represents the Irewole/Isokan constituency in the Osun State House of Assembly.
The Ikire incident is expected to attract further attention as the police investigate the circumstances surrounding the gathering and the possession of the PVCs.
The outcome of the investigation will determine whether any electoral offence was committed and whether those involved will face prosecution.
