The Nigeria Police Force has arrested 11 suspected political thugs allegedly hired to disrupt the ongoing primary elections of the All Progressives Congress in Ekiti State.
Addressing journalists on Friday, the Commissioner of Police in Ekiti State, Falade Adegoroye Micheal, disclosed that the suspects were apprehended following a coordinated security operation carried out by operatives of the Rapid Response Squad (RRS).
According to the Police Commissioner, the Command had deployed tactical and intelligence units across the state ahead of the APC primary elections for the House of Representatives scheduled for May 15, 2026, to ensure a peaceful and credible exercise.
Falade explained that the operation was triggered by credible intelligence received on May 14 at about 9:00 p.m., indicating that armed hoodlums were gathered at Onikoyi Hotel.
He said operatives swiftly cordoned off 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 several others reportedly escaped in three vehicles.
The police recovered 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 from the suspects.
The Commissioner further revealed that police operatives later intercepted an unregistered Toyota Sienna bus conveying four additional suspects who had allegedly escaped from the hotel. The suspects — Abanikanda Sikiru, Dayo Ibijowo, Ajayi Dele and Adegbite Damola — were arrested, while another pump-action gun was recovered from the vehicle.
During preliminary investigation, the suspects allegedly confessed to being political thugs recruited by Hon. Davidson Akinlayo, a member of the House of Representatives representing Moba/Ilejemeje/Ido-Osi Federal Constituency, with the aim of destabilizing the APC primary election in the area.
The police said investigations are ongoing and that the suspects would be charged to court upon completion of the investigation, while efforts are being intensified to apprehend fleeing suspects and other alleged sponsors.
Falade warned individuals and groups against acts capable of disrupting the peace of the state, stressing that the Command, in collaboration with other security agencies, would deal decisively with anyone found wanting before, during and after the electioneering period.
He also appealed to residents to cooperate with security agencies by providing useful information that could help combat crime and maintain peace across the state.
