The family of Akogun Abayomi Olumide, a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has appealed to President Bola Tinubu and other eminent Nigeriansto intervene in what it described as the continued and unlawful detention of their son at the Ado-Ekiti Correctional Centre, despite a favourable court ruling.

The appeal comes seven days after the Ekiti State High Court, presided over by Justice Bamidele Omotosho, struck out all charges brought against Olumide by the state government on February 5, 2026.

Speaking with journalists in Ado-Ekiti on behalf of the family, Olumide Babatunde said his father was arrested on January 1, 2026, shortly after leaving a hotel along Old Iyin Road, alleging that the Ekiti State Police Command initially denied having him in custody.

He claimed the arrest was linked to Olumide’s support for Engineer Kayode Ojo, an APC governorship aspirant.

“On January 2, 2026, Akogun Abayomi Olumide, a strong supporter of Engr Kayode Ojo, was charged with offences including attempted robbery, robbery and rape before the Ekiti State High Court sitting in Ado-Ekiti,” Babatunde said.

“On Thursday, February 5, 2026, the entire case was struck out by Justice Omotosho. However, seven days after that ruling, the Ekiti State Correctional Service, allegedly acting on directives of the state government, has refused to release him.”

He further alleged that efforts were ongoing to obtain what he described as “illegal court orders” to remand Olumide again without fresh arrest, arraignment or appearance before any judge.

“It is disturbing that under the administration of Governor Biodun Oyebanji, members of the APC are being treated as enemies simply for supporting a different aspirant within the same party,” he added.

Government Responds

The Ekiti State Government has, however, denied allegations of political witch-hunt or complicity, insisting that Olumide’s detention is based strictly on criminal matters.

Speaking with journalists, the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr Dayo Apata, SAN, said Olumide remained in custody due to an existing remand order issued by a magistrate, which has not been vacated.

Apata further disclosed that Olumide is also facing a separate charge of unlawful possession of cannabis sativa at the Federal High Court, which is scheduled to come up on February 17, 2026.

“On February 5, 2026, the prosecution wrote to the court seeking an adjournment of the trial. Despite this, the court struck out the case,” Apata said.

“Immediately thereafter, the prosecution filed a motion for relisting. The defendant could not be released because of another pending matter bordering on unlawful possession of cannabis at the Federal High Court.”

He added that the family’s claims did not reflect the true legal position of the case.

“This matter is not political witch-hunt. Akogun Abayomi Olumide is facing criminal allegations, and no one is above the law. Regardless of political affiliation, the law must take its course,” Apata stated.