Police in Ekiti have arrested 11 suspected political thugs in Ikun-Ekiti for an alleged plot to disrupt Saturday’s APC primary for Ekiti North Federal Constituency II.
The arrests followed a tip-off at about 9 p.m. on May 14 that armed men had gathered at a hotel in the town, said State Commissioner of Police Falade Adegoroye.
Operatives from the Rapid Response Squad cordoned off the hotel and detained seven suspects on the spot. Four others fleeing in a Toyota Sienna were intercepted shortly after.
Police recovered three pump-action guns, a Beretta pistol, ammunition, substances suspected to be charms, two laptops, and two vehicles.
During questioning, the suspects allegedly told police they were hired by Rep. Davidson Akinlayo, the current member for Ekiti North Federal Constituency II, to disrupt the primary. A manhunt is ongoing for other fleeing members and the alleged sponsor.
Governor Biodun Oyebanji has suspended one of the arrested men, Dayo Ibijowo, aka Ijaya, an appointee of his administration.
In a statement, Oyebanji’s media aide Yinka Oyebode said Ibijowo remains suspended pending the outcome of the investigation. The governor said the suspension underscores his administration’s zero tolerance for lawlessness.
Oyebanji had just wrapped up a violence-free campaign tour of all 16 LGAs, repeatedly calling for peaceful conduct ahead of the election season.
He reiterated that no act of criminality would be tolerated.
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