By Oluwagbemiga ‘Toye
Family members of Akogun Abayomi Olumide, popularly known as Lustay, have called for urgent intervention over his continued detention, alleging that he remains in custody despite a State High Court order striking out charges earlier filed against him.
Addressing journalists in Ado-Ekiti on Tuesday, the family appealed to former governors of Ekiti State, Aare Afe Babalola (SAN), Chief Wole Olanipekun (SAN), Mr. Femi Falana (SAN), the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake, as well as traditional rulers, religious leaders, civil society organisations and other stakeholders to intervene and ensure his release.
They expressed displeasure over what they described as the “continuous remand and persecution” of their relative, who is currently being held at the Ado-Ekiti Correctional Centre.
According to the family, Justice Omotosho of the Ekiti State High Court on February 5, 2026, struck out all allegations brought against Olumide by the state government. They, however, claimed that seven days after the ruling, he remained in custody despite the court’s decision.
Recounting the events leading to his arrest, the family said Olumide was apprehended on January 1, 2026, allegedly without a warrant and without being informed of any offence. They further alleged that he was initially denied access to his wife, lawyers and associates, and that his whereabouts were initially denied when relatives and legal representatives visited the Rapid Response Squad (RRS) office to inquire about him.
Olumide was later arraigned before a State High Court on charges of attempted robbery, robbery and rape, all of which were subsequently struck out, according to the family.
They described his arrest as politically motivated, noting that he is a staunch supporter of Engineer Kayode Ojo in the 2026 governorship race in Ekiti State. The family also alleged that there were moves to secure another remand order against him despite the earlier ruling striking out the case. Describing the situation as a threat to democracy and the rule of law, the family urged prominent Nigerians and stakeholders within and outside the state to intervene.
However, in a swift reaction, the Ekiti State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Dayo Apata (SAN), dismissed the allegations and clarified that Olumide’s continued detention was not connected to the state government.
Speaking at a press conference in his office, Apata said Olumide was not released from the Correctional Service custody because he has a pending case at the Federal High Court bordering on unlawful possession of Cannabis Sativa.
Providing further background, the Attorney General explained that on February 5, 2026, the prosecution had written a letter seeking an adjournment and proposing three dates for trial. According to him, the court struck out the case despite the letter already before it.
He added that the prosecution subsequently filed a motion for relisting of the matter, after which Olumide was returned to the Correctional Centre.
Apata emphasised that the Ekiti State Government has no hand in Olumide’s remand, maintaining that due legal processes are being followed
