The All Progressives Congress (APC) House of Assembly candidate for Atakumosa East/West Local Government Area of Osun State, Babatunde Komolafe Festus, has reportedly been arrested by personnel of the Nigerian Navy over alleged possession of a firearm.
Komolafe was reportedly arrested on Thursday in his hometown, Ifewara, while travelling with some supporters in an APC campaign vehicle.
Sources familiar with the incident told Sahara Reporters that the arrest happened during a routine search by naval personnel, who allegedly found a firearm inside the vehicle.
“He was arrested today after a routine search by Navy officials exposed him and other supporters with a gun. They were in the campaign vehicle of APC candidate Bola Oyebamiji when they were caught,” a source claimed.
A video circulating after the incident showed naval personnel with some individuals said to have been arrested during the operation.
However, there was no immediate official statement from the Nigerian Navy explaining the circumstances of the arrest or confirming who owned the alleged firearm.
The reported arrest happened about 48 hours before the August 15 Osun State governorship election, amid concerns over political tension and security in the state.
The development also came after controversy over comments attributed to an APC chieftain in Ikire, Mutali Adisa.
Adisa, identified as the Seriki of Ikire, reportedly warned residents who did not plan to vote for the APC governorship candidate, Bola Oyebamiji, against moving freely in the town on election day.
He reportedly made the comments while addressing APC supporters on Tuesday and expressed confidence that Oyebamiji would win the election.
“We are sure of victory given all the works we have done in the campaign. AMBO is sure of victory, what he needs is percentage in Ikire, he has won already,” he was quoted as saying.
He was also heard making a statement that raised concerns about possible voter intimidation.
“We should however tell those who are not willing to vote for AMBO the truth, they should not even try to cross the gutter on election day in Ikire,” Adisa said.
