The Ekiti state Police command said it has arrested some suspects who confessed they were sponsored by an incumbent lawmaker to truncate the House of Representatives Primary Election of the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC slated to weekend.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Falade Adegoroye Michael in a press conference on Friday stated that the command in its efforts to ensure peaceful and transparent primary has deployed adequate security across the state for safety and orderliness
His words in part:
“I ordered the deployment of adequate security across the State, including the deployment of Tactical and Intelligence Units for visibility patrols and intelligence gathering in order to ensure a free, fair, credible and hitch-free exercise.
“This proactive measure emplaced paid off as the Command, on the 14th May, 2026, at about 21:00hrs, received a credible information that a group of suspected hoodlums armed with dangerously weapons were sighted inside Onikoyi Hotel, Ikun-Ekiti.
“Upon receipt of the information, I directed the operatives of the Rapid Response Squad (RRS) to cordon off the Hotel and ensure the arrest of those suspects. During the operation, one Adekunle Stephen, Adepoju Adebayo, Boluwaji Ishola, Oluwatobi Adeoluwa, Akintunde Emmanuel, Adewale Makanjuola and Ibitola Babatope were arrested while other gang members escaped with about three vehicles.
“Items recovered from the arrested hoodlums are; two Pump Action guns, one Beretta Pistol, nine rounds of 9mm live ammunition, four live cartridges, substance suspected to be criminal charm, two Apple Laptops and a Honda Accord car belonging to one of the suspects.
“Further efforts intensified by the operatives led to the interception of an unregistered Toyota Sienna Bus conveying four of the suspects who earlier escaped from the hotel. They are; Abanikanda Sikiru, Dayo Ibijowo, Ajayi Dele and Adegbite Damola. The vehicle was searched and one Pump Action gun was recovered.
“During investigation, the arrested hoodlums confessed that they are political thugs hired by one Honorable Davidson Akinlayo, a serving member of the House of Representatives, representing Moba/Ilejemeje/Ido-Osin constituency, to destabilize the primary elections of the All Progressives Congress (APC) scheduled to commence on 15th May, 2026.”
The CP added that the suspects would be charged to court after the completion of the investigation.
” Meanwhile, effort is underway to ensure the arrest of other fleeing gang members and their sponsor.
“Citizens are advised to be law-abiding, desist from all acts that could jeopardize the peaceful atmosphere currently being enjoyed in the State, as the Command, in collaboration with other security agencies, will deal decisively and in accordance with the law, with any person or group of persons who wants to cause breach of peace before, during and after this electioneering period.”
The CP therefore assured the commitment of the Command to ensuring maximum security for all citizens at all times.
“I implore everyone to support, collaborate and cooperate with the Police and other security agencies in the fight against crimes and criminality in the State”, the CP said.