The Ekiti State Police Command has arrested three suspects in connection with the alleged abduction and assault of the Chairman of Ekiti West Local Council Development Area, Rufus Ige Olorunfemi, and another resident, Funso Ajayi.
The command disclosed this in a statement issued on Thursday by its spokesperson, SP Sunday Abutu, who said the Commissioner of Police, Falade Adegoroye Michael, had directed a comprehensive investigation into the incident.
According to the police, preliminary findings showed that the council chairman and Ajayi were intercepted on Wednesday night by armed men dressed in camouflage uniforms while travelling along Anoye Street in Ikere-Ekiti.
The suspects were said to have arrived in three Hilux vehicles before allegedly forcing the victims into their custody and taking them to the residence of a Peoples Democratic Party governorship aspirant ahead of the June 20 election.
Police said the victims were allegedly assaulted at the location before they were eventually released.
Abutu stated that three suspects had so far been taken into custody, while efforts were ongoing to apprehend other individuals believed to have participated in the incident.
He added that those arrested would be prosecuted after the conclusion of investigations.
“The suspects are currently undergoing investigation, while efforts have been intensified to arrest others who are still at large,” the police spokesman said.
The commissioner appealed to residents to remain calm and refrain from actions capable of disrupting public peace.
He also cautioned political supporters against resorting to self-help or engaging in acts capable of inciting violence, assuring that the command would uphold justice and ensure that all parties involved are treated fairly.
The police chief reiterated the command’s commitment to professionalism, the rule of law and the protection of the rights of all citizens across the state.