Ekiti Police Arrest 11 Suspected Political Thugs Ahead of APC Primaries

By Rotimi Aleshinloye 

The Ekiti State Police Command has arrested 11 suspected political thugs in Ikun-Ekiti, foiling an alleged plot to disrupt the All Progressives Congress (APC) House of Representatives primary election scheduled for today, May 15, 2026, but which has now been postponed till tomorrow Saturday, May 16, 2026. 

The Commissioner of Police, CP Falade Adegoroye Michael, while briefing journalists on Friday, said the arrests followed enhanced security measures across the state, including the deployment of Tactical and Intelligence Units to ensure a free, fair, and credible primary.

According to him, at about 9:00 p.m. on May 14, the Command received credible intelligence that armed hoodlums were gathered inside Onikoyi Hotel, Ikun-Ekiti.

Acting on his directive, operatives of the Rapid Response Squad (RRS) cordoned off the hotel and arrested seven suspects namely Adekunle Stephen, Adepoju Adebayo, Boluwaji Ishola, Oluwatobi Adeoluwa, Akintunde Emmanuel, Adewale Makanjuola, and Ibitola Babatope. 

Other gang members fled in three vehicles.

Items recovered from the suspects include 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.

Further operations led to the interception of an unregistered Toyota Sienna Bus carrying four additional suspects — Abanikanda Sikiru, Dayo Ibijowo, Ajayi Dele, and Adegbite Damola — who had earlier escaped from the hotel. A pump action gun was found in the vehicle.

During interrogation, the suspects allegedly confessed they were hired by a serving House of Representatives member to destabilize the APC primaries.

CP Adegoroye said the suspects will be charged to court upon conclusion of investigations. 

He added that efforts are ongoing to apprehend fleeing gang members and their alleged sponsor.

He urged residents to remain law-abiding and warned that the Command, alongside other security agencies, will deal decisively with anyone attempting to breach the peace before, during, or after the election.

The statement was issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Abutu Sunday, on May 15, 2026.