The Nigeria Police Force says it arrested 295 suspects in connection with various incidents recorded during the Osun State governorship election held on Saturday.
Of the number, 293 suspects were released on bail after undergoing screening, while two others remained in police custody for further investigation and possible prosecution.
The Force spokesperson, Ani Iniedu, disclosed this in an interview with The PUNCH, saying the two suspects in custody would face further investigation before being prosecuted for any offences established against them.
“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,” Iniedu said.
The arrests followed the deployment of security personnel across the state to prevent violence, vote-buying and other electoral offences during the poll.
Ahead of the election, the police had warned political parties, 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 none of its personnel made any arrests during the election.
The NSCDC spokesperson, Afolabi Babawale, said the agency established security structures across local government areas and wards to prevent disturbances and respond quickly to emerging threats.
He explained that the Corps deployed armed and unarmed personnel to polling locations as part of its security arrangement.
“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,” Babawale said.
He added that three unarmed personnel were assigned to each polling centre to maintain order and monitor activities, while two armed personnel were stationed about 500 metres from each polling centre.
According to him, the arrangement provided five NSCDC personnel for the security coverage of each polling unit.
The security agencies said the deployments were aimed at ensuring a peaceful electoral process and protecting voters, electoral materials and personnel throughout the exercise.
