The Ekiti State Police Command has launched a full-scale investigation into the alleged abduction and assault of the Chairman of Ikere-West Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Hon. Rufus Ige Olorunfemi, and another resident, Mr. Funso Ajayi, in a development that has heightened political tension ahead of the June 20 governorship election in the state.
The Commissioner of Police, Mr. Falade Adegeroye Michael, said preliminary investigations revealed that the victims were accosted on June 3, 2026, at about 9 p.m. along Anoye Street in Ikere-Ekiti by armed men dressed in camouflage uniforms who arrived in three Hilux vehicles.
According to the police, the two men were allegedly taken to the residence of the Peoples Democratic Party governorship candidate, Dr. Wole Oluyede, where they were severely assaulted before being released.
Adegeroye disclosed that three suspects have been arrested in connection with the incident, while efforts are ongoing to apprehend others believed to have participated in the alleged attack.
He assured residents that a thorough investigation would be conducted and that all those found culpable would be prosecuted in accordance with the law.
The latest incident comes barely hours after an Ado-Ekiti Chief Magistrate’s Court ordered the remand of the Vice Chairman of Ilejemeje Local Government Area, Mrs. Grace Ogunleye, over allegations that she orchestrated her own kidnapping.
Chief Magistrate Abayomi Adeosun directed that Ogunleye be remanded at the Ado-Ekiti Correctional Centre pending the duplication of the case file and its transfer to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions for legal advice.
Ogunleye was reported missing on May 20 after her vehicle was found abandoned along the Ipere-Iludun Ekiti Road, triggering an extensive search operation involving police officers, military personnel and local security operatives.
She was later found the following day, but police investigations allegedly uncovered evidence suggesting that the abduction had been staged.
Investigators claimed the purported kidnap was designed to raise funds to offset personal debts and fulfil certain political commitments.
Reacting to the development, the Chairman of Ilejemeje Local Government Area, Mr. Pius Dada, described the allegation as unfortunate and warned that public office holders must be held accountable for their actions.
He noted that false kidnapping claims could erode public confidence in government institutions and security agencies at a time when the country continues to battle genuine cases of abduction and insecurity.
Against the backdrop of both cases, the Ekiti State Police Command reiterated its commitment to upholding the rule of law, maintaining public safety and ensuring justice.
The Commissioner of Police also urged political actors and their supporters to remain peaceful and refrain from acts capable of inciting violence or disrupting public order as the governorship election approaches.
