Reported by: Oahimire Omone Precious | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
The Ekiti State Police Command has dismissed as “emotionally and politically motivated” the allegations that the arrest and prosecution of Mr Ayodele Babatola, a House of Assembly candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), were politically orchestrated. In a detailed press release issued on Friday, May 29, 2026, the command explained that Babatola was arrested and charged based on a complaint of rape filed by a 30-year-old woman, with medical evidence supporting the allegation.
According to the police statement signed by the Public Relations Officer, SP Abutu Sunday, the complainant, Bukola Oluwaseun, reported at the Oke-Ila Divisional Police Headquarters on May 25, 2026, at about 1:00 a.m., alleging that Babatola forcefully had carnal knowledge of her at KIIBAT Hotel along Petim Estate, Adebayo Area, Ado-Ekiti, on the night of May 24, 2026. She also claimed that the suspect assaulted her, inflicting visible injuries on her body, which were observed by the police officers on duty. The victim stated that she had met Babatola on social media about three months earlier while he was still living abroad, and they had been chatting since. Upon his arrival in Nigeria, they agreed to meet at Captain Cook area in Ado-Ekiti to get to know each other physically. The victim alleged that the suspect drove her to the hotel under the pretext of having discussions, but then without her consent, had sex with her, injured her when she refused to cooperate, and immediately left the room. She further claimed that Babatola blocked her phone number and all other means of communication.
Following the complaint, the suspect was invited for questioning. After preliminary investigation, the case was transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (CID) for thorough investigation. During interrogation, Babatola reportedly stated that he was provoked when the victim asked him for payment before having sexual intercourse. He claimed that he did not actually penetrate the victim before he got provoked by her request for financial compensation, but admitted that he left her in the room and deactivated all means of contacting him. The victim was taken to a hospital for medical examination, and the results confirmed that there was penetration.
The police stated that after the investigation was concluded, the suspect was charged to court and remanded at the Correctional Service Centre in Ado-Ekiti. The command urged members of the public to disregard allegations of illegal arrest and political persecution, maintaining that the case is based on a clear complaint and thorough investigation. “The Command will continue to uphold fairness, justice, professionalism and respect for human rights, while maintaining that the principle of rule of law must prevail,” the statement read.
The ADC had earlier condemned the arrest, describing it as a “gross violation of constitutional rights” and a “dangerous abuse of state power,” alleging that the police used a remand warrant application as a tool for political intimidation. The party had demanded the immediate release of its candidate and called on the Inspector‑General of Police to review the circumstances of the arrest. With the police now presenting medical evidence and the suspect’s own admissions, the case has taken on a different complexion, though the ADC has yet to respond to the police’s detailed account.
Babatola remains in custody as the legal process continues.
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