Ekiti police arrest alleged political thugs ahead of APC reps primary

 

The Ekiti State Police Command has arrested 11 suspected political thugs allegedly hired to disrupt the All Progressives Congress (APC) House of Representatives primary election scheduled for Friday, May 15, 2026.

The State Commissioner of Police, Falade Adegoroye Micheal, disclosed this during a press conference held on Friday, saying the suspects were apprehended following a coordinated security operation by the Command.

According to the police boss, the Command had earlier deployed tactical and intelligence units across the state to ensure adequate security, visibility patrols, and intelligence gathering ahead of the APC primary elections.

He explained that the operation yielded results after the police received credible intelligence at about 9:00 p.m. on May 14 that some suspected hoodlums armed with dangerous weapons were sighted at Onikoyi Hotel in Ikun-Ekiti.

The CP said operatives of the Rapid Response Squad (RRS) were immediately deployed to the hotel, leading to the arrest of seven suspects identified as Adekunle Stephen, Adepoju Adebayo, Boluwaji Ishola, Oluwatobi Adeoluwa, Akintunde Emmanuel, Adewale Makanjuola, and Ibitola Babatope, while other members of the group reportedly escaped in about three vehicles.

Items recovered from the suspects included two pump-action guns, one Beretta pistol, nine rounds of 9mm live ammunition, four live cartridges, substances suspected to be criminal charms, two Apple laptops, and a Honda Accord vehicle.

The police further disclosed that four additional suspects — Abanikanda Sikiru, Dayo Ibijowo, Ajayi Dele, and Adegbite Damola — were later intercepted in an unregistered Toyota Sienna bus while attempting to flee. A pump-action gun was also reportedly recovered from the vehicle.

The Commissioner of Police stated that investigations were ongoing and that the suspects would be charged to court upon completion of investigations, while efforts were being intensified to arrest other fleeing suspects and their alleged sponsor.

He warned political actors and residents against engaging in acts capable of breaching public peace, stressing that the Command, in collaboration with other security agencies, would deal decisively with anyone found involved in electoral violence or criminal activities during and after the election period.

The police boss also reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to maintaining law and order and ensuring maximum security across the state.