Reported by: Oahimire Omone Precious | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
A lecturer at the University of Ilorin, Chief Elijah Ola Olorunsuwa, was reportedly arrested at his residence in Ilorin, Kwara State, in the early hours of Wednesday, September 16, 2026. According to information made available to SaharaReporters, Olorunsuwa was arrested at about 5:00 a.m. by a team of police officers who arrived at his residence in a black Hilux vehicle. The reason for his arrest was not immediately known as of the time of filing the report. Sources familiar with the development claimed that about eight police officers were involved in the operation and that Olorunsuwa was subsequently taken away from Ilorin. The sources further alleged that the lecturer and the officers were heading towards Kogi State following the arrest.
Monday Job Sesere, a public commentator and youth leader from Kogi State who confirmed the development, alleged that the arrest was ordered by Kogi State Security Adviser, Commander Jerry Omodara (retd.). The claim could not be independently verified as of the time of filing the report, and it was not immediately clear what offence, if any, the lecturer was being investigated for. The lecturer involved has reportedly arrived in Lokoja, Kogi State, while efforts to secure his release on bail are said to be underway, according to The Nigerian Post.
Olorunsuwa is a lecturer in the Department of Political Science at the University of Ilorin, where his academic interests include comparative politics, elections, political parties, legislative governance, federalism and Nigerian politics and government. The university's official profile lists him as a lecturer in the department. He is also the National Publicity Secretary of the University of Ilorin Alumni Association, having been elected into the position in August 2024. Olorunsuwa has also been publicly involved in political commentary and community affairs relating to Kogi State. In February 2025, the Kogi State Government identified him as President of the Oke-Offin Development Association during the inauguration of community projects in Oke-Offin, Kabba/Bunu Local Government Area.
The reported arrest comes amid heightened political activity in Kogi State ahead of the 2027 elections. A fresh controversy has emerged over an alleged attempt by about 17 police officers from the Kogi State Command to storm Ilorin with the reported intention of arresting and taking away the lecturer over alleged political differences involving the Kogi West Senator, Senator Sunday Karimi, and the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. According to information obtained by Democracy Newsline Newspaper, the alleged operation was reportedly connected to claims that some members of the All Progressives Congress in Kogi West who openly identify with Senator Karimi and President Tinubu have been subjected to intimidation, threats and pressure over their political activities. The sources further alleged that the operation was linked to the lecturer's perceived political association and his position on issues concerning Senator Karimi and the Kabba–Olle–Iluke road project.
The controversy comes against the backdrop of growing political disagreements within the Kogi West APC ahead of the 2027 general elections. Senator Karimi recently held a town hall meeting with constituents and stakeholders from Kabba/Bunu and Ijumu. During the meeting, several APC leaders publicly expressed support for Karimi's continued representation of Kogi West, while the gathering also featured calls for support for President Tinubu and other APC candidates. The development has reportedly heightened tension among some party members, with allegations that individuals who participated in or supported such political gatherings have subsequently faced pressure or threats. It was also reported that in Kabba/Bunu and Lokoja Local Government Areas, some APC ward chairmen have been suspended and remain suspended to date, while some political appointees and party officials have allegedly faced threats over their perceived support for President Tinubu and Senator Sunday Karimi.
Contacted by SaharaReporters, the Kwara State Police Command's spokesperson, SP Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, said she was not aware of the reported arrest. She noted, however, that if the arrest did take place, "I am sure that it was not done illegally. The policemen from Kogi would have fulfilled all the protocols for interstate arrest." Ejire-Adeyemi directed SaharaReporters to the Kogi command for further details on the arrest. SaharaReporters' efforts to reach the Kogi State Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Saliu Oyiza Afusat, were unsuccessful, as her phone number was unreachable. A text message sent to her verified phone number seeking clarification on the reported arrest had not been delivered as at the time of filing the report. The Kogi State Police Command has yet to issue an official statement on the incident.
For now, the circumstances surrounding Olorunsuwa's arrest remain shrouded in uncertainty. The police have not confirmed the operation, the reasons for the arrest have not been disclosed, and the lecturer's whereabouts are not officially known. The allegations of political motivation have not been independently verified, and the Kogi State Government has not responded to the claims. What is clear is that a university lecturer was taken from his home in the early hours of the morning by officers from another state, and the public is still waiting for answers.
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