By Michael Ofulue, Osogbo

The Osun State Police Command has released all ad-hoc staff of the Osun State Independent Electoral Commission (OSSIEC) who were arrested during the recently conducted local government elections.

The arrests were reportedly made on the directive of the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, following his visit to the state. 

It was gathered that some OSSIEC ad-hoc staff were apprehended on the eve of the election at the commission’s headquarters, with the chairman, Hashim Abioye, said to be unreachable at the time.

In response, OSSIEC and its chairman have dragged the Inspector General of Police and the Osun State Commissioner of Police before the Federal High Court in Osogbo, seeking ₦2 billion in damages over what they described as the unlawful arrest and detention of their staff, as well as the sealing of the commission’s office.

The plaintiffs argue that the actions of the police constitute a gross violation of fundamental rights, including liberty and dignity.

Despite these setbacks, the OSSIEC chairman lauded voters for coming out to exercise their civic rights and apologised to journalists for accreditation hitches, attributing the challenges to the police’s interference.

“So far, so good. Reports have been positive, and the election has been conducted in a smooth and peaceful manner, contrary to the false alarm raised by the police. Everywhere is calm,” Abioye stated, questioning the legality of the arrests in the absence of a court order.

Meanwhile, the OSSIEC office remains sealed, and those previously arrested have yet to return to their duties. The commission insists it will pursue legal action to seek justice and prevent further disruptions to its operations.