Soldiers Arrest PDP Chieftain, Seven Suspected Thugs in Sagamu

Men of the Nigerian Army have arrested a chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Solomon Soyelu, alongside seven suspected thugs over an alleged attempt to disrupt voting in Ode-Lemo, Sagamu Local Government Area of Ogun State.

The suspects were reportedly arrested during the rescheduled House of Representatives election in the Remo Federal Constituency.

Sources said the suspected thugs claimed they were working for the success of a PDP candidate in the election, identified as Ladi Adebutu.

The seven suspects were identified as Toheeb Balogun, Wasiu Ademola, Femi Akeju, Tunde Adeleke, Dare Bakare, Gbenga Jimoh and Ladejobi.

According to sources, the suspects, who allegedly came from Ikorodu in Lagos State, were arrested while attempting to disrupt voting at AUD Ward 9, Ode-Lemo.

The incident reportedly occurred shortly after the commencement of accreditation when the suspected hoodlums allegedly stormed the polling area and began overturning electoral materials, forcing voters and other residents to flee the area.

Residents were said to have alerted soldiers who were nearby monitoring the election.

On sighting the soldiers, the suspected thugs allegedly attempted to escape but were apprehended by the military personnel.

Sources further alleged that Soyelu subsequently arrived at the scene and attempted to secure the release of the suspects.

It was alleged that he offered money to the soldiers, but the military personnel reportedly rejected the offer and detained him alongside the suspected thugs.

The suspects were subsequently handed over to the police at the Sagamu Division for further investigation.

A source alleged that the disruption was serious enough to raise concerns that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) might cancel the election in the affected polling area.

The source further claimed that during interrogation, Soyelu allegedly stated that the suspects were working for Adebutu, who was contesting the Remo Federal Constituency seat.

“The thugs disrupted electoral process to the extent that we suspect INEC would cancel elections there,” the source said.

However, the allegations linking the suspects to any particular candidate had not been independently established at the time of the report.

The Ogun State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Olayinka Balogun, confirmed the arrest during a telephone interview, saying that the police had commenced investigation.

“Yes, we have arrested some people who attempted to disrupt electoral process in that area. They have brought them to our command and investigation is ongoing. But I can confirm to you that the arrests were made,” he said.

The police commissioner added that the suspects would be prosecuted if found culpable.