The Nigeria Police Force has arrested 295 suspects over various alleged offences recorded during Saturday’s Osun State governorship election.
The arrests were made as part of security measures deployed across the state to curb electoral violence, vote-buying and other activities capable of disrupting the poll.
Force spokesperson, Ani Iniedu, disclosed this while speaking with journalists on Sunday, saying 293 of those arrested had been released after undergoing screening.
He said two suspects remained in police custody for further investigation and possible prosecution.
Iniedu stated, “295 suspects were arrested during the election, and 293 have been released on bail after screening. So, we have two of them in custody for prosecution.”
The police had before the election warned political parties, candidates, supporters and other participants against violating electoral laws, stressing that offenders would be made to face the law.
Meanwhile, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps said none of its personnel arrested any suspect during the election.
The NSCDC spokesperson, Afolabi Babawale, said the corps deployed armed and unarmed personnel across the state’s local government areas and wards to prevent disturbances and respond to security threats.
Babawale said the deployment included three armed patrol teams in each local government area, with the teams equipped with Hilux vehicles for rapid response.
He added that three unarmed officers were stationed at each polling centre to monitor proceedings and maintain order, while two armed personnel were positioned about 500 metres away.
According to him, the arrangement was designed to protect voters, polling units and election materials while ensuring security throughout voting, counting and the subsequent stages of the electoral process.
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