Ekiti Police Defend Arrest of Abroad-Based Nigerian Ayodele Babatola Over Alleged Rape

The Ekiti State Police Command has reaffirmed that the arrest and prosecution of an abroad-based Nigerian, Ayodele Babatola, over an alleged rape case were carried out in accordance with the law and were not influenced by political considerations.

The Command made the clarification in response to a viral social media campaign alleging that Babatola was arrested at the behest of the Ekiti State Government due to political reasons.

In a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), SP Sunday Abutu, the Command described the claims as misleading, unsubstantiated, and designed to distort public perception of an ongoing criminal matter.

According to the police, the case originated on May 25, 2026, when a 30-year-old woman, identified as Bukola Oluwaseun, lodged a complaint at the Oke-Ila Divisional Police Headquarters in Ado-Ekiti.

The complainant alleged that Babatola forcefully had sexual intercourse with her without her consent at KIIBAT Hotel in Ado-Ekiti on May 24, 2026. She further claimed that she was physically assaulted during the incident and sustained visible injuries.

Police investigations revealed that the complainant and the suspect had become acquainted through social media approximately three months earlier while Babatola was residing abroad. Following his return to Nigeria, the pair reportedly agreed to meet in person.

The woman told investigators that Babatola persuaded her to accompany him to a hotel under the pretext of having a discussion. However, upon arrival, she alleged that he sexually assaulted her and later abandoned her at the hotel before blocking all communication channels.

Following the complaint, police authorities invited Babatola for questioning. After a preliminary investigation, the matter was transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (CID) for further probe.

During interrogation, Babatola reportedly denied the rape allegation, claiming that he became upset after the woman allegedly requested payment before engaging in sexual activity. While he admitted leaving her at the hotel and subsequently cutting off communication with her, he denied penetrating the complainant.

However, the police stated that findings from a medical examination conducted as part of the investigation confirmed penetration, a result the Command said contradicted the suspect’s account.

The police further disclosed that upon the conclusion of investigations and after reviewing the available evidence, Babatola was formally charged before a competent court.

He has since been remanded at the Nigerian Correctional Service facility in Ado-Ekiti pending further court proceedings.

The Command stressed that the case was handled strictly as a criminal matter and urged members of the public to disregard reports suggesting political interference.

“The arrest and prosecution of the suspect are based on a criminal complaint duly reported to the police and investigated professionally in line with the rule of law,” the statement noted.

The Ekiti State Police Command reiterated its commitment to justice, fairness, and professionalism in the handling of criminal cases, assuring residents that investigations and prosecutions would continue to be guided by evidence and due process rather than public sentiment or political pressure.This version provides more context, stronger transitions, and a fuller newspaper-style presentation suitable for publication.