Ex-convict arrested with guns, charms at Kwara APC rally

Akinwande Soji-Ojo

Men of the Kwara State Police Command have arrested a 44-year-old man at the All Progressives Congress (APC) campaign rally in Ilorin, the Kwara State capital.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, the Command’s spokesperson, SP Ajayi Okasanmi, said the suspect, Safi Abolaji aka Ojulari, was caught at the APC rally held at Ojuekun Sarumi area of Ilorin West Local Government Area of Kwara, on Sunday afternoon.

Abolaji, a resident of Kankatu area, Ilorin, was caught at the rally with two locally made short guns loaded with cartridges and some charms.

According to Okasanmi, the suspect confessed to be a member of a cult group and an ex-convict who was recently released from prison.

“Acting swiftly on intelligence to the effect that, at the APC political rally on January 29, 2023, at about 1530 hrs, held at Ojuekun Sarumi area, Ilorin, one Safi Abolaji aka Ojulari “M,” age 44, of Kankatu area, Ilorin, was overpowered by public-spirited persons and policemen with two locally made short-guns with cartridges and some charms found in his possession.

“During the investigation, the suspect, who confirmed to be an active member of the Aye confraternity, was also just recently released from the correctional facility after serving a prison term. He could not sufficiently explain his presence at the rally, having confirmed to be a member of the  People Democratic Party in the state.

“An investigation into the matter is ongoing to establish his motive and to arrest other members of his cult group.

“The Commissioner for Police in Kwara State, CP Paul Odama, has for the umpteenth time warned criminal elements to change their ways or leave Kwara State, as the command would not leave any stone unturned in making Kwara State a state that is conducive for all positive human endeavours,” the statement read.

Okasanmi added that the suspect would be charged to court as soon as investigations into the case is concluded.