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The Ekiti State Police Command has arrested 11 suspected political thugs in Ikun-Ekiti ahead of the All Progressives Congress, APC, primary election for the Federal House of Representatives scheduled for 15 May 2026.
Commissioner of Police, CP Falade Adegoroye Micheal, told journalists that the arrests followed credible intelligence received on 14 May at about 21:00hrs. The information indicated that a group of armed hoodlums was sighted inside Onikoyi Hotel, Ikun-Ekiti.
Operatives of the Rapid Response Squad, RRS, cordoned off the hotel and arrested seven suspects: Adekunle Stephen, Adepoju Adebayo, Boluwaji Ishola, Oluwatobi Adeoluwa, Akintunde Emmanuel, Adewale Makanjuola, and Ibitola Babatope. Others escaped in three vehicles.
Items recovered from the group include two pump-action guns, one Beretta pistol, nine rounds of 9mm ammunition, four live cartridges, substances suspected to be criminal charms, two Apple laptops, and a Honda Accord car.
Police later intercepted an unregistered Toyota Sienna bus carrying four of the fleeing suspects: Abanikanda Sikiru, Dayo Ibijowo, Ajayi Dele, and Adegbite Damola. A pump-action gun was recovered from the vehicle.
During investigation, the suspects allegedly confessed to being hired by Hon. Davidson Akinlayo, the serving member representing Moba/Ilejemeje/Ido-Osin constituency, to disrupt the APC primary election. The command said efforts are ongoing to arrest other fleeing gang members and their sponsor.
The suspects will be charged to court after investigation. CP Falade warned residents to remain law-abiding and avoid actions that could threaten peace before, during, and after the election. He said the command, in collaboration with other security agencies, will deal decisively with anyone attempting to breach public order.
