27th September, 2018
Kazeem Ugbodaga
The Nigeria Police Force on Thursday said it has arrested 16 people suspected to be members of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, for illegally being in possession of customized INEC tags, face cap and jackets in the Osun rerun governorship election.
The police said customized INEC tags, face cap and jackets with the inscription of “INEC Osun 2018 Election Observer” and PDP membership cards were found on the suspects.
A statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer,For: Deputy Inspector-General of Police, Department of Operations (DOPS), SP Folasade Odoro said “the police team on stop and search duties at Orolu; intercepted vehicles with 16 persons on board in possession of customized INEC tags, face cap and jackets with the inscription of “INEC Osun 2018 Election Observer” and PDP membership cards. The suspects are using the items to have easy access to restricted areas meant for personnel with due accreditation.”
He said the police debunked report that some accredited INEC observers were arrested or denied access to polling units.
Odoro, therefore, assured people of Osun State and other critical stakeholders of its renewed commitment and resolve to ensure adequate security for a free and fair re-run election while investigation continues.
Those arrested were: Moshood Adejare, PDP House of Representatives aspirant in Orolu Federal Constituency; Oyelayo Dayo, Olaoye Asimi, Raimi Taofeeq, Gbenga Olapade, Charles Amibiogoiu, Ayomide Ayansola, Kayode Dada, Daramola Segun, Tunji Akinroyinmi, Kunle Adedeji, Habeeb Bahiru, Yisa Sodiq, Adeolu Bamijoko, Oladipo Samson and Adeolu Bamidele.