Ekiti Police Arrests in Ikun-Ekiti: Alleged Political Thugs, Media Team Members, and Ongoing Investigation

Ekiti Police Arrests in Ikun-Ekiti: Alleged Political Thugs, Media Team Members, and Ongoing Investigation

On the night of May 14, 2026, the Ekiti State Police Command announced the arrest of 11 individuals in Ikun-Ekiti ahead of the APC House of Representatives primary scheduled for May 16, 2026. The arrests have raised questions about the alleged involvement of political thugs, as well as claims that some of those detained are members of Hon. Akinlayo Kolawole Davidson’s media team.

*1. Police Account of the Operation*

Commissioner of Police CP Falade Adegoroye Michael told journalists that the arrests followed credible intelligence about armed individuals lodged at Onikoyi Hotel, Ikun-Ekiti.

*Arrests inside the hotel:*

Police said 7 suspects were arrested at the hotel:

– Adekunle Stephen

– Adepoju Adebayo

– Boluwaji Ishola

– Oluwatobi Adeoluwa

– Akintunde Emmanuel

– Adewale Makanjuola

– Ibitola Babatope

*Items recovered:* 2 pump-action guns, 1 Beretta pistol, 9 rounds of 9mm live ammunition, 4 cartridges, items described as suspected criminal charms, 2 Apple laptops, and a Honda Accord car.

*Arrests outside the hotel:*

Police intercepted an unregistered Toyota Sienna bus and arrested 4 additional suspects:

– Abanikanda Sikiru

– Dayo Ibijowo a.k.a Ijaya

– Ajayi Dele

– Adegbite Damola

A pump-action gun was recovered from the vehicle.

The CP stated that during interrogation, the suspects allegedly confessed to being recruited to disrupt the APC House of Representatives primary in Moba/Ilejemeje/Ido-Osi Federal Constituency. Police named Hon. Kolawole Akinlayo Davidson as the person allegedly linked to the recruitment, though no charges had been filed at the time of the briefing. Investigations were said to be ongoing to apprehend other fleeing suspects.

*2. Claims Regarding the Status of Some Detainees*

Following the police briefing, statements attributed to Hon. Kolawole Akinlayo Davidson’s media team identified two of those arrested— *Ibitola Babatope* and *Boluwaji Ishola*—as members of the Honourable’s media team.

The individuals arrested have been identified as “state boys”, a political term used to describe some private individuals who work for the reigning party.Members of Akinlayo Kolawole Davidson’s media team were able to identify two of their members erroneously arrested alongside others. The Honourable’s Media Team have publicly called for a thorough and impartial investigation, arguing that the distinction between political staff and alleged criminal actors should be established through due process.

At this stage, it has not been publicly confirmed whether those identified as media team members were performing media-related duties at the time of arrest, or whether their role forms part of the ongoing police investigation. The police have not issued a separate statement confirming or denying this specific claim.

*3. Hon. Akinlayo Kolawole Davidson’s Response*

Hon. Akinlayo Kolawole Davidson has publicly dissociated himself from the arrested individuals and denied any involvement in a plot to disrupt the primary. He described the allegations as unfounded and suggested they were an attempt by political opponents to frame him ahead of the election. He called on the police to conduct a professional investigation and to ensure that the truth is established.He also called on the police to exonerate and acquit the two members of his media aide erroneously arrested,so the innocent do not suffer alongside the guilty.

*4. Legal and Due Process Considerations*

Under Nigerian law, arrest and detention do not constitute guilt. The principle of presumption of innocence applies until proven otherwise by a court of competent jurisdiction.

The key issues likely to be examined in the investigation include:

1. *Identity and role of each detainee*: Whether individuals were acting in a political, media, or criminal capacity.

2. *Evidence linking suspects to the alleged plot*: Including statements, recovered items, and digital evidence.

3. *Verification of alleged recruitment*: Whether credible evidence exists connecting the suspects to any political office holder.

The Ekiti Police Command has stated that efforts are ongoing to arrest other fleeing suspects and to verify claims made during interrogation.

*5. Public Reaction and Context*

The incident occurred days before a key APC primary, a period when political tensions typically rise. The mention of “state boys” and media team members in the same arrest list has fueled public debate in Ekiti about the line between political mobilization and criminal activity.

Supporters of Hon. Akinlayo Kolawole Davidson have urged calm and called for the police to separate genuine security threats from political targeting. Other residents have emphasized the need for a thorough investigation to prevent violence during the election process.

*6. What Happens Next*

The standard procedure would involve:

– Completion of police investigation and case file preparation.

– Legal advice from the Director of Public Prosecutions [DPP] on whether charges should be filed.

– Arraignment in court if prima facie evidence is established.

– Trial, during which the prosecution must prove guilt beyond reasonable doubt.

Until then, those arrested remain suspects. CP Falade has reassured the public of the command’s commitment to maintaining peace and ensuring that both the culpable are punished and the innocent are released.

*Bottom line*: Ekiti Police say 11 people were arrested in Ikun-Ekiti with firearms ahead of the APC primary, alleging a plot to disrupt the election. Hon. Davidson’s media team says two of those arrested— *Boluwaji Ishola and Ibitola Babatope*—are its members and has called for due process. The matter remains under investigation, and no court has made a finding of guilt or innocence.

*Signed:*AKINLAYO Davidson Kolawole*,*MHR,Ekiti North Federal Constituency II*