Governor Oyebanji Suspends Aide Arrested By Police Over Alleged Armed Thuggery

Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, has suspended one of his aides, Dayo Ibijowo, popularly known as “Ijaya,” following his arrest by operatives of the Rapid Response Squad (RRS) of the Ekiti State Police Command over alleged involvement in armed thuggery.

Ibijowo was among 11 suspected armed thugs arrested in Ikun-Ekiti and paraded by the police on Friday. Security operatives alleged that the suspects were recruited to disrupt the All Progressives Congress (APC) House of Representatives primary election scheduled for Saturday.

According to police authorities, the suspects were linked to a plan to cause violence and destabilise the electoral process during the party’s internal primaries in the state.

In a statement issued by the Governor’s Special Adviser on Media, Yinka Oyebode, the state government confirmed Ibijowo’s immediate suspension from office pending the outcome of investigations.

Oyebode said the suspension reflects the administration’s strict stance against criminal behaviour and political violence.

“Ibijowo’s suspension underscores the BAO Administration’s zero tolerance for any act of lawlessness and criminality,” the statement read.

The statement further explained that the suspension would remain in force until security agencies conclude their investigations into the allegations of armed thuggery.

Governor Oyebanji had earlier concluded a violence-free campaign tour across the 16 local government areas of Ekiti State, where he repeatedly called on politicians and their supporters to avoid actions capable of disrupting peace during the electioneering season.

He reiterated that his administration would not tolerate any form of violence, intimidation, or criminal conduct before, during, or after elections in the state.

The governor also urged residents and political actors to embrace peace and allow democratic processes to take their natural course, stressing that security agencies would be fully supported to maintain law and order.

Authorities are expected to continue investigations into the alleged plot as the APC primary election approaches in the state.