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Tag: Ekiti State

  • 2022: Ekiti PDP in turmoil as group demands suspension of former Gov Fayose

    2022: Ekiti PDP in turmoil as group demands suspension of former Gov Fayose

    …alleges Fayose stage-managed PDP congress in Ekiti

    Ekiti Political Intervention Coalition (EPIC), a group in the Ekiti State Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has called on the National Working Committee to suspend former Governor Ayodele Fayose for allegedly stage-managing the rigging of last Saturday’s ad hoc delegate congress in the State.

    The group stated that the congress was roundly rejected by stakeholders because it was allegedly conducted by those it described as impostors.

    The group posited that the congress, which was expected to have been conducted by a National Committee chaired by the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Mr Udom Emmanuel, was supervised by one Emmanuel Enoidem, saying it accounted for why the process ended in a fiasco.

    Top leaders of the party and governorship aspirants, including former Governor Segun Oni, Senator Biodun Olujimi, Hon Wale Aribisala, former Deputy Governor Kolapo Eleka and Lateef Ajijola, had Saturday accused the congress committee of bias, alleging that it allowed Fayose to hijack the process to his own advantage.

    The PDP leaders urged the National Chairman of the party, Dr. Iyorchia Ayu, to cancel the congress to prevent the PDP from losing the June 18 governorship poll.

    Reacting to the alleged electoral malfeasance that dogged the congress, the group, in a statement signed by its Publicity Secretary, Hon. Banji Dada, on Sunday, posited that the party would be doing a disservice to PDP if it accepts the outcome of the congress, which he described as a charade.

    Dada argued that “We expect Senator Ayu- led National Working Committee to rise to the occasion and ensure the nullification of the entire process and ensure the suspension of Ayodele Fayose from the party”.

    The group further stressed that: “However, what we do not expect was the extent of culpability of the five-man ad-hoc committee sent by the National Working Committee of the party, which was led by an impostor.

    “We wish to inform the NWC and the entire leadership of the party that the ad-hoc election exercise to nominate three- delegates was led and conducted by an interloper and someone unknown to law and the directive of the party.

    “While the party announced H.E. Chief Udom Emmanuel as the chairman of the committee but strangely, the exercise was, however, conducted by a different person, an impostor called Emmanuel Enoidem, the immediate past National Legal Adviser of the PDP.

    “This Emmanuel Enoidem was not listed and recognised by the NWC to be the Chairman of the Ekiti Ad-hoc delegates exercise, based on its official announcement, which has now rendered the entire exercise a nullity”.

    The group added that “a large number of the committee members sent to Ekiti for the congress, had served under Uche Secondus led NWC described as tax collectors by Gov Nyesome Wike, while they also tried to frustrate Gov Makinde of Oyo State over the Southwest zonal executives.

    “Some of them are known loyalists of Fayose and have enjoyed his patronage.

    “There was no ad-hoc election known to law in the entire 177 wards in Ekiti State, except for an afterthought kangaroo arrangement in a few locations where some persons were told to start jubilating on camera shouting “Oshoko” to justify the electoral robbery.

    “The entire exercise was a mockery cooked up to impose an aspirant on the PDP in Ekiti State.

  • Ekiti 2022: Why I prefer direct primary – Sen. Bamidele

    Ekiti 2022: Why I prefer direct primary – Sen. Bamidele

    Sen. Opeyemi Bamidele, an All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship aspirant for the forthcoming Ekiti State Governorship Election has stressed the need for direct primary mode of selecting candidates for elective offices.

    He said that the direct mode of primary election would promote full participation of all party members in the decision making process leading to selecting of their preferred leaders.

    Bamidele who represents Ekiti Central in the National Assembly said this on Friday in Abuja at the APC National Secretariat after submitting his Expression of Interest and Nomination Forms to contest the election.

    The Ekiti State governorship election is slated for June 18.

    Bamidele who is also the Chairman Senate Committee on Judiciary, Human Right and Legal Matters, had purchased the forms on Dec. 14, 2021.

    He also said that the direct primary mode would allow the most popular aspirant to emerge as the flag bearer of any political party.

    He, however, expressed optimism that the refusal of President Muhammadu Buhari to sign the Electoral Amendment Bill into law would not foreclose his chances in the governorship race.

    According to him, by the time the National Assembly resumes next week, all issues around the bill would be addressed on a common ground of advantage to both the legislature and the executive arms of government.

    “Well, I also want to say that, you may not have a particular mode that will be acceptable to all aspirants at the same time and that’s part of the essence of democracy.

    “And that’s why the constitution of the party provides for three different modes of conducting primary election. One is the direct primary mode, the second one is indirect primary and the third one is the consensus mode.

    “So it’s up to the leadership of the party, but if I would speak for myself, I would say definitely it cannot be census,” he said.

    He disclosed that about seven aspirants had obtained forms to contest the election, adding that the sales of forms has not closed yet.

    “The sales of forms is not closed yet, meaning that anytime between now and Jan. 11, there could be more aspirants coming in to join the race.

    “So in that kind of a situation, you don’t push for a consensus unless it is coming from within and among the aspirants themselves.

    “The two other modes that will then appear to be open are either the direct or the indirect mode of primary.

    “If you ask me as an individual what is my preference, I would say I prefer the direct mode of primaries.

    “It also helps to ensure that the most popular aspirant emerged which also gave a lot of impetus to the rank and file of the party,” he said.

    Bamidele also said that the direct primaries was a way of giving power back to the people.

    “Basically, the refusal of President Buhari to sign the Electoral Act Bill is not because he is fundamentally opposed to direct mode of primaries, but because of some logistics concerns.

    “But the good thing about it is if you do direct primaries in an isolated election holding in Ekiti or in Osun which would be the only election in the country by the time is holding,

    “I don’t think that is a kind of logistic concern that would offset anything or cause pain for anyone.

    “So, I really feel that the leadership of the party, will take whatever decision that is in the best interest of the party,” Bamidele said.

  • 2022: Fayemi tasks workers on productivity, service delivery

    2022: Fayemi tasks workers on productivity, service delivery

    Ekiti state governor, Gov. Kayode Fayemi on Wednesday charged workers in the state to improve productivity and service delivery through the discharge of their responsibilities, especially, in the New Year.

    Fayemi gave the charge during his tour of various offices at the state Secretariat Complex, ministries, departments and agencies in Ado-Ekiti.

    The governor, who identified the workers as drivers of government policies and programmes, urged them to work in tandem with his administration’s vision and goals for the development of the state.

    Fayemi who visited the offices, accompanied by the Head of Service, Mrs Peju Babafemi and other top civil servants, said that the workers deserved to be appreciated and motivated, considering the roles
    they usually play in the delivery of government’s policies.

    He added that the visit was to ascertain the state of the offices and the preparedness of the workers for the tasks ahead.

    According to him, the visit is to assess the state of the workers and their working environments at the beginning of the new year and come up with solutions that they will need to improve on their performances.

    The governor said that his administration would continue to prioritise the welfare and good working environment for the workforce and urged them to be more dedicated in their duties in the interest of the state.

    He also reaffirmed the government’s decision to reposition the state civil service for better performance.

    The governor emphasised the need for the workers to comply with all the COVID-19 protocols to prevent the spread of the virus.

    Fayemi said that the government had earlier met and received the demands of the workers from the labour leaders in the state and promised that the requests would be looked into.

    He said that his administration had procured furniture and other office equipment that would be used by the workers to enhance effective and efficient service delivery.

  • Ekiti Guber Election: Caution our leaders now, group begs PDP chairman, Ayu

    Ekiti Guber Election: Caution our leaders now, group begs PDP chairman, Ayu

    …over their alleged anti-party activities

    Ahead of the forthcoming Gubernatorial Election in Ekiti State, a youth Group in the Peoples Democratic Party,PDP, under the aegis of ” EKITIKETE Youths Alliance” has appealed to its National Chairman, Dr Iyocha Ayu to call some of Its chieftains to order over their alleged anti-party for the Party to reclaim the state from the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC.

    This was contained in a statement titled, ” Save PDP in Ekiti State now” made available to newsmen on Sunday by its Convener, Prince Segun Okangi .

    According to the statement, we are concerned members of the Party across all the Wards in the state and we are impressed by the immense supports we are receiving from the people of the state and we are very sure that our Party, the PDP is set to regain its lost glory in the state come the next gubernatorial Election in the state.

    “But we are however taken aback by some recent ugly developments in which some of the Chietains of our great Party are romancing with the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, especially the state Governor Dr John Kayode Fayemi.

    “Our findings have revealed that even the state Governor through a former Governor who is a member of PDP is sponsoring some of our Governorship Aspirants for his own selfish interest. As a matter of fact, the self acclaimed “leader of the party” in the state has been collecting 10 million Naira from the Apc led Government in the State for the past 6 months to destabilize the PDP activities in the state.

    A rider to that was the sneaking to the APC government house of one of Fayose’s ally, and a supposed Governorship aspirant in the State on the 31st of December, 2021. The aspirant who equally pretends to be a leader of one the warring groups in Ekiti tagged Repositioning. He came out of the Goverment House with bags of money for himself and his boss, Governor General.

    “Sir, we are speaking out now because we don’t want to waste this very ample opportunity to reclaim the state back from the APC as our people are tired of the situation in the state and are yearning for a change and the alternative is the PDP.

    “Sir,don’t allow the Lagos and Abuja Politicians to deceive you about the true happening in Ekiti State. We appeal to you to please listen to our outcry now and conduct your own independent findings on our claim so as to guide you, we have documentary evidence with photographs of these leaders involved in anti-Party activitiies to sabotage our chances of reclaiming the state back at the polls this 2022.

    “Please , don’t ignore our petition now, we have qualified, tested and trusted men and women of integrity amongst our Aspirants that can win the election for our great Party, all we are asking for is that your National Working Committee, NWC, should be vigilant and watch your back . We should be careful of Saboteurs parading themselves as PDP Messiah . PDP has defeated APC before and we can do it again once the political merchants in our party are caged.: Editor.

    Ekiti Guber. Election : Call Our Party Leaders To Order… ……Group Cries To PDP Natiional Chair, Ayu.

    Ahead of the forthcoming gubernatorial Election in Ekiti State, a youth Group in the Peoples Democratic Party,PDP, under the umbrella of ” EKITIKETE Youths Alliance” has appealed to its National Chairman, Dr Iyocha Ayu to call some of Its chieftains to order over their alleged anti-Party activities in the recent times for the Party to reclaim the state from the ruling All Progressives Congress APC.

    This was contained in a statement titled, ” Save PDP in Ekiti State now” made available to newsmen on Sunday by its Convener, Prince Segun Okangi.

    According to the statement, ” we are concerned members of the Party across all the Wards in the state and we are impressed by the immense supports we are receiving from the people of the state and we are very sure that our Party, the PDP is set to regain its lost glory in the state come the next gubernatorial Election in the state.

    “But we are however taken aback by some recent ugly developments in which some of the Chietains of our great Party are romancing with the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, especially the state Governor Dr John Kayode Fayemi.

    “Our findings have revealed that even the state Governor through a former Governor who is a member of PDP is sponsoring some of our Governorship Aspirants for his own selfish interest. As a matter of fact, the self acclaimed “leader of the party” in the state has been collecting millions of Naira from the Apc led Government in the State for the past 6 months to destabilize the PDP activities in the state.

    “A rider to that was the sneaking to the APC government house of one of the former governor’s ally, and a supposed Governorship aspirant in the State on the 31st of December, 2021. The aspirant who equally pretends to be a leader of one the warring groups in Ekiti tagged Repositioning. He came out of the Goverment House with bags of money for himself and his boss, Governor General.

    “Sir, we are speaking out now because we don’t want to waste this very ample opportunity to reclaim the state back from the APC as our people are tired of the situation in the state and are yearning for a change and the alternative is the PDP.

    “Sir,don’t allow the Lagos and Abuja Politicians to deceive you about the true happening in Ekiti State. We appeal to you to please listen to our outcry now and conduct your own independent findings on our claim so as to guide you, we have documentary evidence with photographs of these leaders involved in anti-Party activitiies to sabotage our chances of reclaiming the state back at the polls this 2022.

    “Please , don’t ignore our petition now, we have qualified, tested and trusted men and women of integrity amongst our Aspirants that can win the election for our great Party, all we are asking for is that your National Working Committee, NWC, should be vigilant and watch your back

    “We should be careful of Saboteurs parading themselves as PDP Messiah . PDP has defeated APC before and we can do it again once the political merchants in our party are caged”.

  • Second appointee of Gov Fayemi resigns, joins Ekiti State governorship race

    Second appointee of Gov Fayemi resigns, joins Ekiti State governorship race

    Mr Bamidele Faparusi, Ekiti Commissioner for Infrastructure and Public Utilities, has resigned his appointment to contest the state’s 2022 governorship election.

    Faparusi conveyed his resignation to Gov. Kayode Fayemi in a letter dated Dec. 14 and was reportedly acknowledged on Dec. 17.

    Copies of the letter were disseminated to newsmen in Ado-Ekiti on Sunday.

    Faparusi had been a strong proponent of power shift to the Ekiti South Senatorial District.

    The letter reads in part: “It is with great pleasure that I thank you for the vote of confidence reposed in me to represent Ayekire Local Council Development Area in the state’s Executive Council.

    “It enabled me to serve as the political head of the Ministry of Infrastructure and Public Utilities, which is pivotal to the development agenda of this administration.

    “Under your proactive leadership, I had the rare opportunity to consolidate on my cognate experience, broaden my perspective and build capacities in the service to the people.

    “These are the bases of my decision to vie for the governorship seat following extensive consultations with the people and critical stakeholders.

    “I wish to convey my decision to resign from the government to enable me to focus on the intense work required to make our party walk to victory at the poll.

    “Your Excellency, I am most grateful to you and particularly take this opportunity to thank you for the assurances of your unalloyed support.

    “I once again reaffirm my loyalty to you and my commitment to the progress of our great party and Ekiti State.

    “Please, accept the assurances of my highest regards.’’

    Faparusi was elected member of the House of Representatives in 2011, where he represented Ekiti East/Gbonyin/Emure Federal Constituency for four years.

    He has been at the vanguard in the agitation for the zoning of All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship ticket to the South Senatorial district.

    Others in the same vanguard argue that this was required in the spirit of equity, justice and fair play since that part of the state had never produced a governor since its creation in 1996.

    Faparusi is an engineer and former member of the House of Representatives.

    He becomes the second top appointee of Gov. Fayemi to resign so as to contest the APC’s governorship primary election scheduled for Jan. 22, 2022.

    Secretary to the State Government, Biodun Oyebanji, left the cabinet two weeks ago following a directive by Gov. Fayemi that cabinet members eyeing the governorship seat should resign on or before Dec. 18.

    The number of politicians that have so far shown interest in the governorship position across board has risen to about 30.

  • BREAKING: PDP cries foul as APC clears Ekiti State LG poll

    BREAKING: PDP cries foul as APC clears Ekiti State LG poll

    The All Progressives Congress (APC) has cleared Saturday’s Ekiti State local government councils poll, winning all the 35 council chairmanship seats and 176 out of the 177 councilorship seats declared.

    Justice Jide Aladejana, the Chairman of the State Independent Electoral Commission announced the result on Sunday in Ado-Ekiti.

    Aladejana said that the commission had postponed councilorship election in Erinjiyan ward, following violence that broke out during the poll in the town.

    He appreciated security agencies and the staff of the commission as well as the electorate for participating in the poll and for their cooperation for the successful conduct of the election.

    The election was held across the 16 Local Government Areas (LGAs) and the 19 Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) as well as the 177 wards of the state.

    The opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) boycotted the election, claiming that the APC led administration in the state was incapable of organising credible, free and fair election without violence.

    Six other political parties however, participated at the poll.

    They included Action Alliance (AA), African Democratic Congress (ADC), All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), All Progressives Congress(APC), National Rescue Movement(NRM), and Young Progressives Party (YPP).

    Speaking on the election, Mr Raphael Adeyanju, the state PDP Publicity Secretary, described it as a sham.

    Adeyanju said that the result of the election and the obvious low turn out of voters had confirmed fears by the party that the result had already been predetermined by the ruling APC ahead of the poll.

    The spokesperson for PDP also described the conduct of election in the newly created LCDAs as unconstitutional.

    He claimed that since the constitution of Nigeria only recognised the existing sixteen LGAs in State, the election in the 19 LCDAs was an aberration and a waste of resources.

  • EFCC presents more evidence in Fayose’s trial

    EFCC presents more evidence in Fayose’s trial

    The trial of embattled former Governor of Ekiti, Ayodele Fayose, on Wednesday resumed at a Federal High Court in Lagos with prosecution giving more evidence.

    Prosecution called its 11th witness, Mrs Joanne Tolulope, who narrated how one Abiodun Agbele, an associate of Fayose, allegedly bought property worth millions of naira.

    Fayose is being prosecuted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for alleged N6.9 billion fraud and money laundering.

    He was first arraigned on Oct. 22. 2018, before Justice Mojisola Olatotegun.

    The former governor was arraigned alongside his company, Spotless Investment Ltd., on 11 counts bordering on fraud and money laundering.

    He had pleaded not guilty to the charge, and was granted bail on Oct. 24, 2018, in the sum of N50 million with sureties in like sum.

    Fayose was re-arraigned before Justice Chukwujekwu Aneke on July 2, 2019, after the case was withdrawn from Olatoregun, following EFCC’s petition.

    He also pleaded not guilty to the charge and was allowed to continue on the bail earlier granted him, while the case was adjourned for trial.

    During examination of the witness on Wednesday by prosecutor, Mr Rotimi Jacobs (SAN), the witness told the court that Agbele bought four charlets from her company Still Earth Ltd. between March and July, 2015.

    The witness, an in-house counsel for Still Earth Ltd., said that the company dealt in real estate and also renovated property.

    She testified that sometime, from March to July 2015, her company was contacted by Agbele, via a phone call, to inquire if there were property available for sale.

    “Incidentally, we had properties for sale; we discussed about Agbele’s availability for inspection.

    “He came sometime in March 2015 to inspect the properties and requested for two charlets of three bedrooms and four bedrooms, respectively, and paid N575 million and some fractions for the property,” she said.

    She said that in July 2015, Agbele approached the company and bought charlets for about N573 million.

    “He also approached us to register the deed of assignment in the name of JJ Technical Services,” she added.

    However, an attempt by the prosecutor to tender the deed of assignment as an exhibit was resisted by Fayose’s counsel, Mr Ola Olanipekun (SAN), who contested its admissibility.

    Following the objection, the prosecution counsel sought to withdraw the document, saying that it could be tendered later in the trial.

    On how the money was paid, the witness told the court that N800 million was deposited by De Privateer Ltd. into a bank account of Still Earth Ltd., adding that there was cash payment of N209 million by one Taofeek on the instruction of Agbele.

    She testified that in January 2015, the sum of N105.7 million was received from Capital Field Investment and Trust Ltd., N39.5 million from Hoss Concept, while additional N40 million was received from De Privateer Ltd.

    She added that in February 2015, De Privateer Ltd. paid N200 million while N132.5 million was paid by a company called Sam Chase.

    The trial will continue on Thursday.

    When the case was before Justice Olatoregun, prosecution called witnesses from some commercial banks as well as a former Minister of State for Defence, Sen. Musiliu Obanikoro.

    According to the EFCC, on June 17, 2014, Fayose and one Abiodun Agbele illegally took possession of N1.2 billion for purposes of funding his gubernatorial election campaign in Ekiti.

    The commission said that the defendants reasonably ought to have known that the sum formed part of crime proceeds.

    It alleged that Fayose received cash payment of five million dollars (about N1.8 billion) from the then Minister of State for Defence, Obanikoro, without going through any financial institution.

    The commission also said that the former governor unlawfully retained 300 million in his bank account and took control of the aggregate sums of about N622 million.

    The EFCC added that the defendant unlawfully procured De Privateer Ltd. and Still Earth Ltd. to retain aggregate sums of N851 million.

    Besides, the ex-governor was alleged to have unlawfully used aggregate sums of about N1.6 billion to acquire property in Lagos and Abuja.

    He was also alleged to have illegally used N200 million to acquire a property in Abuja with the name of his elder sister, Moji Oladeji.

    The alleged offences contravene the provisions of Sections 15(1), 15 (2), 15 (3), 16(2)(b), 16 (d), and 18 (c) of the Money Laundering Prohibition Act of 2011.

  • APC to sell forms for Ekiti, Osun governorship elections for N22.5m

    APC to sell forms for Ekiti, Osun governorship elections for N22.5m

    The All Progressives Congress (APC) says it will begin sales of expression of Interest and nomination forms for Ekiti and Osun governorship elections at its national secretariat Abuja, today (Nov.16).

    Sen. John Akpanudodehe, National Secretary, APC Caretaker and Extra-ordinary Convention Planning Committee (CECPC) made the disclosure on Tuesday in Abuja.

    He said the announcement followed the party’s approval of timetable and schedule of activities for the Ekiti and Osun governorship elections.

    Akpanudodehe disclosed that while the nomination form would sell for N20 million, the expression of interest form would cost N2.5 million.

    He however, added that female and physically challenged aspirants would pay 50 per cent of the approved fees.

    He said party’s approved election timetable and schedule of activities for the election in the two states, was in accordance with the provisions of the amended Electoral Act 2010 and Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) guidelines.

    The APC scribe said while sales of forms for Ekiti governorship election would begin at the party’s national secretariat on Tuesday Nov 16, 2021, Tuesday, Jan.11,2022, had been approved as last day for submission of completed forms and accompanying documents.

    He said screening of aspirants had been scheduled for Thursday Jan. 13, 2022 .

    Akpanudodehe said publication of claims and objections would be on Monday, Jan. 17, 2022, while entertainment of appeals would held on Wednesday Jan. 19, 2022

    “Primary election will be on Saturday Jan.22, 2022, election appeal: Wednesday Jan.26, 2022.

    “For Osun State, notice of election to the State Chapter will be on Wednesday Nov. 17, 2022, while sale of forms will begin at APC National Secretariat on Thursday November 18, 2021.

    “Last day for submission of completed forms for Osun governorship election and accompanying documents at APC national secretariat will be on Friday Feb.18, 2022, while screening of aspirants will be Feb.22, 2022,” Akpanudodehe said.

    He added that publication of claims and objections would be on Friday Feb. 25, 2022, while screening appeals would be on Monday Feb.28, 2022.

    According to the approved election timetable and schedule of activities, primary election for Osun State would hold on Saturday March 5, 2022 while election appeal would be on Thursday March 10, 2022.

    The INEC has fixed June 18, 2022 for Ekiti governorship election and July 16, 2022 for the same exercise in Osun.

  • APC begins sale of governorship election forms for Ekiti, Osun

    APC begins sale of governorship election forms for Ekiti, Osun

    The All Progressives Congress (APC) has announced the sale of forms for Ekiti and Osun governorship elections.

    Sen. John Akpanudodehe, National Secretary APC Caretaker and Extra-ordinary Convention Planning Committee (CECPC) said this in a statement on Sunday in Abuja.

    According to the statement, sales of expression of interest and nomination forms for Ekiti governorship election will begin on Nov. 16, while that of Osun will begin on Nov.18.

    The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), has fixed June 18, 2022 for Ekiti governorship election and July 16, 2022 for the same exercise in Osun.

  • Police place N5m bounty on fleeing kidnapping suspects in Ekiti

    Police place N5m bounty on fleeing kidnapping suspects in Ekiti

    The Ekiti State Police Command has placed N5 million as reward for genuine information on the whereabouts of four suspects over alleged kidnapping in the state.

    ASP Sunday Abutu, the command’s spokesperson in a statement on Tuesday in Ado-Ekiti, gave the names of the fleeing suspects as Banji Akeem, Samuel Ebira, Dele Jimoh and Dayo Igwe.

    Abutu said the four now at large were mentioned as gang members by other arrested suspects currently in police custody.

    According to him, the suspects were involved in the abduction of prominent Ekiti citizens in the last two years.

    “The suspects already arrested mentioned one Banji Akeem a.k.a Oro, who was earlier arrested by the RRS operatives for the offence of armed robbery.

    “They also mentioned one Samuel a.k.a Samuel Ebira, Jimoh Dele a.k.a Dele Petim, Dayo a.k.a Dayo Igwe and Johnson a.k.a Yellow Okada who are presently at large as other members of their gang,” he said.

    Abutu, said the suspects were arrested through the relentless efforts of the men of the command.

    According to him, the arrested suspects had confessed that they had been involved in various kidnappings in the state.

    “They confirmed to be the brain behind the abduction of one Olowo Bola of Ipoti-Ekiti and the late Chief Abiodun Ajayi, who died from the injuries sustained while he jumped from the kidnappers vehicle, earlier this year, in Ado Ekiti,” he said.

    The PPRO explained that the suspects usually kept their victims in the house of late Chief Ogunremi, located around Water Works in Ado-Ekiti or sometimes Ayere, a forest in Kogi.

    He listed Items recovered from the suspects to include, one Toyota Corolla car, 13 rounds of live cartridges and two locally made double-barrel guns.

    Abutu said that efforts were on to arrest other members of the gang who were at large, hence the N5 million reward for useful information that could lead to their arrest.

    The command had on Monday paraded four suspected abductors of a petroleum dealer in Ekiti, Alhaji Suleiman Akinbami and wife of late Surveyor-General of the state, Mrs. Dapo Osalusi.

    The suspects was also alleged to have also kidnapped another victim, Olowo Bolaji in Ipoti-Ekiti, Ijero Local Government Area of the state.

    Abutu while parading the suspects said they were arrested by a team of Rapid Response Squad (RRS) of the command.

    He said the suspects included the food supplier to the alleged kidnappers and a vulcaniser, who was their informant.

    The command thanked residents who provided the information that led to the initial arrests, promising not to relent in ridding the state of crime.

    “The Rapid Response Squad (RRS) Unit of the Police Command in Ekiti has continued its raid and war against kidnapping with another breakthrough recorded in the arrest and parade of four suspected kidnappers.

    “They were apprehended in connection with the abduction of a petroleum dealer, Alhaji Suleiman Akinbami in Ado-Ekiti on Jan. 10.

    “The suspects during interrogations confessed to have actively participated in the abduction of the wife of former Ekiti State Surveyor-General, Mrs. Dapo Osalusi and another victim, Olowo Bolaji in Ipoti-Ekiti, Ijero Local Government Area of the state,” Abutu explained.