The Nigeria Police Force arrested 295 suspects in connection with various incidents recorded during Saturday’s Osun State governorship election.
Of the suspects arrested, 293 were released on bail following screening, while two remained in police custody for further investigation and prosecution.
The arrests formed part of the security measures deployed across the state to prevent violence, vote-buying, intimidation and other electoral offences during the poll.
Speaking in an interview with The PUNCH, Force spokesman, Ani Iniedu, confirmed that two suspects remained in custody and would face further investigation before prosecution.
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.”
The arrests came amid heightened security operations across the state as security agencies worked to maintain peace and prevent activities capable of disrupting the electoral process.
Ahead of the election, the police had warned political parties, candidates, supporters and other stakeholders against violence, thuggery, vote-buying and other acts capable of undermining the poll.
The Force also warned that anyone found violating electoral laws would be arrested and prosecuted, regardless of political affiliation or status.
Meanwhile, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps said it recorded no arrests during the election.
The NSCDC spokesman, Afolabi Babawale, said the Corps established comprehensive security structures across the state’s local government areas and wards to deter troublemakers and respond swiftly to emerging threats.
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According to him, the Corps deployed a multi-layered security architecture comprising armed and unarmed personnel to protect polling units, voters 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,” Babawale said.
He added that three unarmed personnel were deployed directly to every polling centre to maintain order and monitor activities.
“Also, three unarmed personnel were directly deployed to every polling centre to maintain order and monitor activities on-site,” he said.
Babawale further disclosed that two armed personnel were positioned 500 metres away from each polling centre to provide additional security coverage.
“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.
The security agencies had maintained a strong presence across throughout the election amid concerns over possible violence and other electoral offences.
The police said the two suspects still in custody would undergo further investigation before being prosecuted for offences established against them.
The development underscores the extensive security measures deployed during the election as authorities sought to ensure a peaceful and credible electoral process across the state.