The Nigeria Police, Ekiti State Command has arrested 11 suspected political thugs in Ikun-Ekiti, Moba Local Government Area of the State, ahead of the All Progressives Congress, APC, primary election for the House of Representatives Aspirants scheduled for Saturday, May 16 2026.
Commissioner of Police, CP Falade Adegoroye while addressing Journalists said, the arrest followed credible intelligence received on Thursday, May 14 at about 9 o’clock in the night, with information indicating that a group of armed hoodlums was sighted inside one Hotel, in the Community.
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.
According to a Statement issued by the Public Relations Officer, Mr Sunday Abutu, 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 have been hired to disrupt the APC primary election.
The command said efforts are ongoing to arrest other fleeing gang members and their sponsor, noting that suspects will be charged to court after investigation.
CP Falade urged residents to remain law-abiding and avoid actions that could threaten the peace before, during, and after the election.
He added that the command, in collaboration with other security agencies, would deal decisively with anyone attempting to breach public order.