The Nigeria Police Force in Ekiti State has arrested several armed suspects allegedly sponsored by a serving member of the House of Representatives to disrupt political activities in the state.
The State Commissioner of Police, Falade Adegoroye Michael, announced the arrest on Friday during a press conference.
According to the police, the suspects, described as “armed hoodlums with dangerous weapons,” were arrested at about 9 p.m. on Thursday at Onikoyi Hotel following intelligence reports concerning their arrival in the state.
The arrested suspects were identified as Adekunle Stephen, Boluwaji Ishola, Adepoju Adebayo, Oluwatobi Adeoluwa, Akintunde Emmanuel, Ibitola Babatope and Adewale Makanjuola, while other suspects reportedly escaped in three vehicles.
The police commissioner said the suspects confessed to being political thugs allegedly hired by a serving House of Representatives member to destabilise the All Progressives Congress primary elections earlier scheduled for May 15, 2026, in the state.
Police authorities disclosed that one Beretta pistol, two pump-action guns, nine rounds of 9mm live ammunition, substances suspected to be criminal charms, four live cartridges, two Apple laptops and a Honda Accord car were recovered from the suspects.
Falade assured residents that the suspects would be charged to court, adding that efforts were ongoing to arrest fleeing gang members and their alleged sponsor.
“Effort is underway to arrest other fleeing gang members and their sponsor,” the commissioner stated.
Meanwhile, the APC primary election initially scheduled for Friday, May 15, was later postponed to Saturday, May 16, 2026.
