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

The Kwara State Police Command has said a 44-year-old man was arrested Sunday at the All Progressives Congress campaign rally in Ilorin, carrying two locally made guns and charms.

The police gave the name of the middle-aged man as Safi Abolaji, also known as Ojulari, who was allegedly caught at the APC rally in the Ojuekun Sarumi area of ​​Ilorin West Local Government Area of ​​Kwara State in the afternoon on Sunday.

The State Police Command said in a statement signed by the State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Ajayi Okasanmi, that Abolaji from the Kankatu area, Ilorin, was caught with two locally made short guns with cartridges and some charms during the rally.

He said investigations showed that the suspect confessed to being a member of a cult group and an ex-con who had recently been released from prison.

Okasanmi said: “Acting swiftly on information that, at the APC political rally on January 29, 2023, at about 3:30 p.m., held in the Ojuekun Sarumi area, Ilorin, one Safi Abolaji, aka Ojulari “M” , age 44, of Kankatu area, Ilorin, was overpowered by crowd pleasers and police officers with two locally made cartridge short rifles and some charms in his possession.

“During the investigation, the suspect, who confirmed to be an active member of the Aye brotherhood, was also recently released from the correctional facility after serving a prison sentence. He was unable to adequately explain his attendance at the meeting, after confirming that he is a member of the People Democratic Party in the state.

“An investigation is underway into the matter to determine his motive and to arrest other members of his cult group,” the statement said.

“The Commissioner of Police in Kwara State, CP Paul Odama, has once again warned criminal elements to change their ways or leave Kwara State as the order would leave no stone unturned in making Kwara State a state which is beneficial to everyone. positive human endeavors,” the statement added.

Okasanmi said the suspect will be brought to court once the investigation into the case is completed.