Police Recover Pistol, Arrest Three Over Alleged Plot to Kill APC Chieftain

Police Recover Pistol, Arrest Three Over Alleged Plot to Kill APC Chieftain
Launch Manhunt for Fleeing Suspects
The command alleged that Oriyomi produced a Beretta pistol loaded with 4 rounds of live ammunition and was about to point it at Oke before the Divisional Police Officer intervened

The Osun State Police Command has arrested three suspects in connection with an alleged assassination attempt on the Director-General of the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship campaign, Oluwole Oke.

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Eko Hot Blog reports that the arrests followed an incident that occurred on Tuesday in Ipetu-Ijesa, Oriade Local Government Area of Osun State.

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Speaking to journalists at the command headquarters on Thursday, the Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Gotan, represented by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Abiodun Ojelabi, said the arrests were part of ongoing efforts to tackle cultism, political thuggery and other violent crimes across the state.

The police identified the suspects as Olamilekan Oriyomi, 24; Ayotunde Ikupolati Ojo, 44; and Fakinleye Femi, 31.

According to the command, the incident occurred on June 30, 2026, when Oke and members of the APC paid a courtesy visit to the Ajalaye of Ipetu-Ijesa, Oba Agunbiade Oke, before proceeding to a town hall meeting with party supporters.

Police alleged that shortly after the meeting, a group suspected to be political thugs and members of the Eiye Confraternity blocked the exit route of Oke’s convoy.

The command further alleged that Oriyomi produced a Beretta pistol loaded with 4 rounds of live ammunition and was about to point it at Oke before the Divisional Police Officer intervened and overpowered him, preventing what police described as an assassination attempt.

Officers providing security at the event immediately arrested the suspect and recovered the firearm and ammunition, while other suspects reportedly fled the scene.

The police said follow-up intelligence-led operations by the Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU) led to the arrest of Ojo and Femi on July 1, 2026, in Ipetu-Ijesa.

According to the command, Oriyomi allegedly confessed during interrogation that he obtained the firearm from one Busuyi Akinwole Ikupolati, also known as “Omo-Akin,” who remains at large.

Police also said the suspect’s statement allegedly implicated other individuals who are currently under investigation.

The Commissioner of Police said efforts were ongoing to arrest all fleeing suspects and ensure everyone connected to the alleged crime is brought to justice.

He reaffirmed the command’s commitment to maintaining peace and security before, during and after the forthcoming elections, warning that anyone involved in criminal activities would face the full weight of the law.

The command also appealed to residents to remain peaceful and continue providing credible information to security agencies to support efforts aimed at sustaining security across Osun State.

Police said investigations are ongoing and that all suspects found culpable will be prosecuted in accordance with the law.