Ikire, Osun State — Security operatives on Saturday morning confronted and interrogated a member of the Osun State House of Assembly after finding about 146 people described as intending voters gathered at a private residence in Ikire.
He was also seen in possession of a large number of Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) recovered at the scene.
The lawmaker, Hon. Abiola Ibrahim (also referred to as Abiola Ibrahim Inaolaji), who represents the Irewole/Isokan State Constituency, was questioned at the property, which he identified as belonging to his late father, Raji Ibrahim. The incident occurred in the early hours of August 15, 2026, as voting commenced across Osun State for the governorship election.
A video circulating widely on social media shows armed and uniformed police officers interrogating Ibrahim while the group of individuals sat on the floor of the residence. Officers were seen holding PVCs, which the lawmaker said belonged to the people present.
When asked why the large group had gathered at the private residence on election day, Ibrahim told the officers: “They are voters for the election happening today.”
He acknowledged that the group included both local residents and people from outside the community, adding: “Some of them are, some of them are indigenes from outside. I did not hire them. I did not promise anything. Voting is their choice. I’m not their agent.” He confirmed he is a member of the Accord Party.
The Osun State Police Command later confirmed that operatives of the Federal Bureau of Investigation – Intelligence Response Team (FBI-IRT) arrested Ibrahim alongside the approximately 146 individuals, describing them as suspected electoral mercenaries.
Police Public Relations Officer Abiodun Ojelabi stated that the lawmaker was arrested in Ikire in the early hours of Saturday for allegedly harbouring the group. Authorities said no fewer than 200 Permanent Voter Cards were recovered during the operation.
According to police accounts, a video obtained after the arrest showed Ibrahim identifying himself and allegedly stating that he facilitated the movement of the 146 people into Osun State from neighbouring states to participate in the governorship election. The police noted that the allegation remains under further investigation.
In a separate but related operation the same day, operatives of the Anti-Robbery Section and the Violent Crime Response Unit arrested 33 other suspected electoral mercenaries (30 males and three females) at Babs Hotel in Ede.
Preliminary investigations indicated the group was brought into the state from Ondo State for alleged unlawful electoral activities, with four voters’ cards recovered as exhibits.
The incidents form part of heightened security measures across Osun State aimed at preventing voter intimidation, electoral malpractice, and illegal mobilisation during the governorship poll. Investigations into the matter involving the lawmaker and the recovered PVCs are ongoing.
Further updates are expected as the police continue their probe.
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