The family of Akogun Abayomi Olumide, a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has appealed to President Bola Tinubu and other eminent Nigerians to intervene in what it described as the continued detention of their son at the Ado-Ekiti Correctional Centre, seven days after a state High Court struck out his case.

The Ekiti State High Court, presided over by Justice Bamidele Omotosho, on February 5, 2026, struck out all allegations brought against Olumide by the state government.

Speaking with journalists in Ado Ekiti yesterday on behalf of the family, Olumide Babatunde said his father was arrested on January 1, 2026, after leaving a hotel on Old Iyin Road in Ado-Ekiti. He alleged that the Ekiti State Police initially denied having him in custody.

Babatunde accused the state government of witch-hunting his father over his association with and loyalty to an APC governorship aspirant.

He said: “On January 2, 2026, Akogun Abayomi Olumide, who is a strong supporter of Kayode Ojo, a 2026 APC governorship aspirant, was later charged with attempted robbery, robbery and rape at the Ekiti State High Court sitting in Ado-Ekiti.

“On Thursday, February 5, 2026, the case brought against him by the state government was struck out by Justice Omotosho of the State High Court, Ado Ekiti.

“However, the Ekiti State Correctional Service, working under the directive of the state government, has refused to release him seven days after the court ruling by Justice Omotosho.”

Reacting to the allegations, the state government denied any complicity or a political witch hunt in the case, insisting that it concerns criminal liability.

Speaking with journalists yesterday, the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Dayo Apata, explained that a remand order issued by a magistrate, which has yet to be vacated, is responsible for the continued detention of the suspect at the correctional centre.

He further disclosed that the defendant has a pending case of unlawful possession of cannabis at the Federal High Court, which is scheduled for hearing on February 17, 2026. (The Guardian)

Update news