An Ado Ekiti Magistrate Court has remanded African Democratic Congress candidate Ayodele Babatola over an alleged rape case in Ado Constituency I.
Babatola was arrested by the Ekiti State Police Command after a 30-year-old woman, Bukola Oluwaseun, accused him of forcing her into sex at KIIBAT Hotel in Ado Ekiti on May 24.
Police spokesperson Sunday Abutu said the complainant reported sustaining injuries, which officers observed when the case was reported. After Babatola was invited and questioned, the case was transferred to the State CID for further investigation.
Abutu said a medical exam confirmed penetration. Babatola denied penetrating the woman but admitted leaving her in the hotel room and cutting off contact. He told police he became angry after she allegedly demanded payment before sex.
The suspect was arraigned and remanded at the Correctional Service Centre in Ado Ekiti.
The arrest sparked protests from ADC members on Wednesday. Party chieftain Gboyega Aribisogan described it as politically motivated, saying Babatola was targeted for criticising the Ekiti State Government. He accused the Rapid Response Squad of using remand warrants to intimidate opposition figures and critics.
