Police operatives from the Federal Bureau of Investigation Intelligence Response Team (FBI-IRT) have arrested the lawmaker representing Irewole/Isokan State Constituency in the Osun State House of Assembly, Abiola Ibrahim, in Ikire for allegedly harbouring about 146 suspected mercenaries.

A viral video had earlier shown police officers confronting the lawmaker and a large group of individuals at a private residence in Ikire on Saturday, the day of the governorship election.

The Osun State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Abiodun Ojelabi, confirmed the arrest in a telephone interview with journalists.

Ojelabi said, “He was arrested in Ikire for harbouring suspected mercenaries. He was arrested with about 146 people.

“FBI-IRT arrested him. He is in their custody. He was arrested in the early hours of Saturday.”

Footage of the interception showed uniformed police officers questioning Ibrahim about the presence of the large group at the residence on election day.

When questioned, the lawmaker insisted that the individuals were registered voters who had gathered to participate in the election.

“They are voters for the election happening today,” Ibrahim stated in the video.

“Some of them are, some of them are indigenes from outside. I did not hire them. I did not promise anything. Voting is their choice. I’m not their agent,” he added, identifying himself as a member of the Accord Party.