Police interrogates Osun Lawmaker over large crowd of voters at private residence

Security operatives have interrogated a member of the Osun State House of Assembly, Abiola Ibrahim, after about 146 people were found gathered at a private residence in Ikire on Saturday, the day of the state’s governorship election.

Ibrahim, who represents Irewole/Isokan Constituency and is a member of Accord party, was confronted by armed police officers at the residence in the early hours of today, August 15, as voting got underway across the state.

A video of the incident circulating on social media showed the lawmaker responding to questions from the security personnel while the said voters were seen sitting on the floor inside the premises.

Ibrahim identified the property as the residence of his late father, Raji Ibrahim.

When asked why such a large number of people were gathered at the property on election day, the lawmaker said they had come to participate in the election.

“They are voters for the election happening today,” the lawmaker informed the officers on site.

The officers, however, sought clarification on whether those gathered were registered voters from Ikire, prompting Ibrahim to acknowledge that the group included people from within and outside the community.

“Some of them are, some of them are indigenes from outside. I did not hire them. I did not promise anything,” he explained.

The interrogation also touched on the political affiliations of the individuals and whether Ibrahim was responsible for mobilising them in support of a particular candidate.

“Voting is their choice. I’m not their agent,” Ibrahim responded, while confirming his membership of the Accord Party.

The footage also showed security personnel in possession of Permanent Voter Cards, which Ibrahim said belonged to the people gathered at the residence.

The incident occurred amid heightened security across Osun State, with the Nigeria Police Force deploying senior officers for the election and warning against electoral malpractice, voter inducement and unlawful mobilisation.

Watch the video of the lawmaker being interrogated below