ADC Protest As Ekiti Court Remands House Of Assembly Candidate Over Alleged Rape

A magistrate court in Ado Ekiti has ordered the remand of Ayodele Babatola, who is contesting under the African Democratic Congress (ADC) for Ado Constituency 1 in the Ekiti State House of Assembly, over an alleged rape case.

Ayodele Babatola was earlier arrested by officers of the Ekiti State Police Command.

In a statement, the command’s spokesperson, Abutu Sunday, said a “30-year-old woman, reported that Babatola “forcefully had carnal knowledge of her at KIIBAT HOTEL, along Petim Estate, Adebayo Area, Ado-Ekiti on the night of 24th May 2026”.

Sunday said the woman claimed she was attacked and sustained injuries during the incident, “which were visible to the police officers on duty at that time”.

“Upon the receipt of the complaint, the suspect was invited, his statement was taken and after a preliminary investigation, the case was transferred to the State CID for a thorough investigation,” Sunday said.

“During investigation, the suspect stated that he was provoked when the victim asked him for payment before having sexual intercourse with her.

“He claimed that he did not actually penetrate the victim before he got provoked by her request for financial compensation, but accepted that he left her in the room and deactivated all her means of reaching him.

“Meanwhile, the victim was taken to the hospital for a medical examination, and it showed and confirmed that there was penetration.

“The suspect was charged to court after investigation was concluded and is currently being remanded in the Correctional Service Centre, Ado-Ekiti.”

Meanwhile, some members of the ADC staged a protest on Wednesday, opposing his detention and claiming it was driven by political motives.

Speaking at a press briefing, party chieftain Gboyega Aribisogan argued that Babatola’s arrest was linked to his criticism of the Ekiti State Government.

He also accused operatives of the Rapid Response Squad (RRS) in the state of targeting opposition figures and critics, alleging that they have been using remand warrants, known as “Form K,” to detain people unjustly.

Aribisogan described Babatola as an activist who has often spoken against poor governance, insisting that the allegations against him are questionable.

“Ayodele Babatola is a social activist who has been consistently and constantly harassed by Nigeria Police Force in Ekiti over his criticism of government non-performance,” Aribisogan said.

“He is an advocate of good governance. We are not in doubt where these rape charges are coming from.

“Men of RRS have reportedly used the dreaded form K to send many citizens of Ekiti to prison in the last few months. The ruling APC has consistently used it too.”

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