The Governor of Ekiti State, Biodun Oyebanji, has suspended his aide, Dayo Ibijowo (also known as Ijaya), following his arrest by the Rapid Response Squad (RRS) of the Ekiti State Police Command over alleged involvement in armed thuggery.
The suspension was confirmed in an official statement issued by the Governor’s Special Adviser on Media, Yinka Oyebode, who said the decision takes immediate effect and will remain in place pending the outcome of investigations.
According to police authorities in Ekiti State, Ibijowo was among 11 suspected armed thugs arrested in Ikun-Ekiti during an operation carried out by security operatives ahead of a political party primary election. The suspects were later paraded by the police.
Security officials stated that the arrests followed intelligence indicating a planned attempt to disrupt the All Progressives Congress (APC) House of Representatives primary election scheduled for Saturday. The suspects were allegedly recruited to cause violence during the exercise.
Police further alleged that the group was linked to a serving member of the House of Representatives, who was said to have been involved in the plan to destabilise the party primary process. Investigations into the allegation are ongoing.
The state government, in its response, said the suspension reflects its zero tolerance for criminal activity and political violence. It stressed that anyone found to be involved in unlawful conduct would be held accountable regardless of political or official status.
The statement also referenced the governor’s repeated public calls for peaceful conduct during political activities across Ekiti State, noting that he had recently concluded campaign engagements across all 16 local government areas of the state where he emphasized non-violence.
Security agencies have not confirmed any court charges at this stage, and the suspects remain under investigation by the police.
The development comes amid heightened political activity in Ekiti State ahead of party primaries and broader electoral preparations, which have in previous cycles seen tensions between rival political actors and associated groups.
Police authorities continue to investigate the case, including the roles of all suspects arrested and any possible wider network linked to the alleged disruption plan.
Stone Reporters note that the incident reflects ongoing security concerns around political processes in Nigeria, particularly where party primaries and intra-party contests have previously been associated with violence and the deployment of armed groups.
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