By Idowu Adebomi
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 Ekiti State Commissioner of Police, Falade Adegoroye Micheal, disclosed this during a press conference on Friday, stating that the suspects were apprehended following a coordinated security operation.
According to the Commissioner, the Command had previously deployed tactical and intelligence units across the state to ensure adequate security, visibility patrols, and proactive intelligence gathering ahead of the primary elections.
The operation proved successful after police received credible intelligence at approximately 9:00 p.m. on May 14, reporting that several armed hoodlums were sighted at the Onikoyi Hotel in Ikun-Ekiti. Operatives of the Rapid Response Squad (RRS) were immediately deployed to the scene, resulting in the arrest of seven suspects: Adekunle Stephen, Adepoju Adebayo, Boluwaji Ishola, Oluwatobi Adeoluwa, Akintunde Emmanuel, Adewale Makanjuola, and Ibitola Babatope.
Other members of the group reportedly escaped in three vehicles.
Items recovered from these 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.
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 while attempting to flee.
Another pump-action gun was recovered from that vehicle.
The Commissioner further alleged that, during interrogation, the suspects confessed to being political thugs recruited by Hon. Davidson Akinlayo, the serving member of the House of Representatives for the Moba/Ilejemeje/Ido-Osi Federal Constituency, to disrupt the APC primary.
Investigations remain ongoing, and the suspects will be charged in court upon completion.
Meanwhile, efforts are being intensified to arrest the remaining fleeing suspects and their alleged sponsor.
The Commissioner warned political actors and residents against breaching public peace, stressing that the Command, in collaboration with other security agencies, will deal decisively with anyone involved in electoral violence.
The police boss reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to maintaining law and order and ensuring maximum security across the state throughout the election period.