The police have arrested 295 suspects over various incidents recorded during the Osun State governorship election held on Saturday.
Force spokesman, Ani Iniedu, disclosed that 293 of the suspects had been released on bail after screening, while two remained in police custody for further investigation and prosecution.
The arrests followed heightened security operations across the state aimed at preventing violence, vote-buying and other electoral offences during the poll.
Speaking with The Punch, Iniedu said the two suspects still in custody would face further investigation before being prosecuted based on the offences established against them.
He said, “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,” he said.
The police had, ahead of the election, warned politicians, their supporters and other stakeholders against actions capable of disrupting the electoral process, stressing that offenders would be arrested and prosecuted.
Meanwhile, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps said it did not arrest anyone during the election.
The NSCDC spokesman, Afolabi Babawale, said the corps established comprehensive security structures across local government areas and wards to deter potential troublemakers and respond swiftly to emerging threats.
According to him, the security arrangement involved both armed and unarmed personnel deployed to protect polling units and electoral materials.
“Three fully armed patrol teams, equipped with Hilux vehicles, were stationed in every local government area to maintain a visible deterrent and respond to major incidents.
“Also, three unarmed personnel were directly deployed to every polling centre to maintain order and monitor activities on-site.
“Two armed personnel were positioned 500 metres away from each polling centre, bringing the total deployment to five officers assigned to cover each polling unit,” he said.
