The Ogun State Police Command has launched an investigation into the reported arrest of the State Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Abayomi Tella, alongside two officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), in Iperu Remo on Saturday.
The INEC staff, identified as Toryem Joe-Stans and Mandara Amina Mamman, were said to have been apprehended with a large sum of money allegedly meant for vote buying during the ongoing Remo Federal Constituency by-election.
Commissioner of Police, Lanre Ogunlowo, confirmed the development in a brief response to inquiries, saying, “We are investigating the matter, that’s how much I can say for now. You may please call back later in the day for further information.”
A viral video circulating online shows the PDP chairman, the two INEC officials, and others being paraded by security operatives.
A voice in the footage alleged that the money was traced to the INEC officials, who reportedly claimed they were directed by a Constituency Supervisor to liaise with politicians at a hotel in Iperu Remo.
According to the video, those linked to the case include Jonathan, Akeem Oyinlola, and PDP chairman Tella.
However, Tella, while speaking in the footage, denied any connection to the money, insisting, “I don’t know anything about this money you’re talking about and I am still waiting for you (the police) to tell me why I am here.”