Police Arrest Suspected Thugs, Recover Guns Ahead of APC Reps Primary

THE Ekiti State Police Command has arrested no fewer than eleven suspected political thugs allegedly hired by Hon. Davidson Akinlayomi, a serving member of the House of Representatives, to disrupt the All Progressives Congress (APC) House of Representatives primary election scheduled for Saturday, May 16, 2026.

Addressing journalists during a press conference, the Commissioner of Police, CP Falade Adegoroye Micheal, disclosed that the suspects were arrested following credible intelligence received on Wednesday night about armed hoodlums lodged at Onikoyi Hotel, Ikun-Ekiti.

According to the Police Commissioner, operatives of the Rapid Response Squad (RRS) immediately stormed the hotel and arrested seven suspects, while others escaped in about three vehicles.

Those arrested at the hotel include Adekunle Stephen, Adepoju Adebayo, Boluwaji Ishola, Oluwatobi Adeoluwa, Akintunde Emmanuel, Adewale Makanjuola and Ibitola Babatope.

Items recovered from the suspects include two pump-action guns, one Beretta pistol, nine rounds of 9mm live ammunition, four cartridges, suspected criminal charms, two Apple laptops and a Honda Accord car.

The police further intercepted an unregistered Toyota Sienna bus conveying four additional suspects identified as Abanikanda Sikiru, Dayo Ibijowo a.k.a Ijaya, Ajayi Dele and Adegbite Damola. A pump-action gun was also recovered from the vehicle.

CP Falade stated that during interrogation, the suspects allegedly confessed to being political thugs recruited by Hon. Davidson Akinlayo, a serving member of the House of Representatives representing Moba/Ilejemeje/Ido-Osi Federal Constituency, to destabilize the APC primary election.

The Commissioner added that investigations are ongoing, while efforts have been intensified to arrest other fleeing suspects and their alleged sponsor.

He reassured residents of the command’s readiness to maintain peace and security before, during and after the electioneering process.