Man who returned to Nigeria for electoral contest lands in prison over alleged rape

An Ado Ekiti Magistrate Court has remanded an African Democratic Congress (ADC) House of Assembly candidate, Ayodele Babatola, in a correctional facility over allegations of rape.

Babatola, who is the ADC candidate for Ado Constituency 1 in the Ekiti State House of Assembly, was arrested by operatives of the Nigeria Police Force following a complaint by a 30-year-old woman identified as Bukola Oluwaseun.

The candidate had recently returned from abroad to take part in the ongoing electoral process and successfully secured a ticket to fly the ADC flag in the forthcoming election.

According to the police, the woman alleged that Ayodele Babatola forcefully had sexual intercourse with her at KIIBAT Hotel in the Adebayo area of Ado Ekiti on May 24, 2026.

Confirming the development, the Ekiti State Police Public Relations Officer, Sunday Abutu, said the complainant reported that the suspect had forcibly had carnal knowledge of her at the hotel.

Abutu stated that the woman allegedly sustained injuries during the incident, which were reportedly observed by officers when the matter was reported. 

He added that the case was subsequently transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department for further investigation.

Following the investigation, Babatola was arraigned before the court and remanded at the Ado Ekiti correctional facility pending further proceedings.

Meanwhile, some members of the ADC have condemned the politician’s arrest and detention, describing the case as politically motivated.

Speaking at a press conference on Wednesday, May 27, ADC chieftain Gboyega Aribisogan alleged that Babatola had been repeatedly harassed by the police because of his criticism of the Ekiti State Government.

Aribisogan described the assembly candidate as a social activist and claimed law enforcement authorities had consistently targeted him over his comments on government performance.

In reaction to this, Ekiti State Police Command issued a statement to dismiss the allegation that Babatola’s arrest and prosecution were politically motivated.

The Police Public Relations Officer, SP Sunday Abutu, described reports alleging collusion between the police and the Ekiti State Government as “emotionally and politically motivated” and lacking verification.

The police said the case originated from a formal complaint lodged at the Oke-Ila Divisional Police Headquarters by Oluwaseun in the early hours of May 25, 2026. 

According to the command, the complainant alleged that Ayodele Babatola forcefully had sexual intercourse with her at a hotel in Ado Ekiti and physically assaulted her, leaving her with visible injuries that were observed by officers on duty.

Providing further details of the investigation, the police said the woman told investigators that she had met Babatola on social media about three months earlier while he was living abroad. 

She alleged that they later agreed to meet in person after his return to Nigeria and that he subsequently took her to a hotel, where the alleged incident occurred.

The command stated that after receiving the complaint, Babatola was invited for questioning, and his statement was taken before the matter was transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department for a thorough probe.

Investigators said the suspect admitted to leaving the complainant in the hotel room and blocking all channels through which she could contact him. However, he denied having sexual intercourse with her.

According to the police, a medical examination conducted on the complainant indicated penetration. The command said Babatola was charged in court only after investigations had been concluded.

The police urged members of the public to disregard claims that the arrest was unlawful or politically driven, insisting that the case was based on a complaint that was thoroughly investigated. The command added that it remains committed to fairness, professionalism, respect for human rights and the rule of law.

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