JUST IN: Police arrest PDP senator ahead of election

Rafiu Ibrahim

A People's Democratic Party senator from Kwara State, Rafiu Ibrahim has been arrested by the police, a day to a general election in which he is seeking a return to office.

Premium Times reports that Rafiu was invited for questioning following allegations he orchestrated a violence that broke out in Ojoku, Kwara State, four days ago, police said.

“We invited him for questioning on Thursday, and he was with us for several hours,” Kwara police spokesperson Ajayi Okasanmi told newsmen.

Mr Ibrahim’s associates said he remained in custody as of Friday morning.

Mr Ibrahim, of the Peoples Democratic Party, was accused of unleashing a group of armed attackers against Lola Ashiru, his All Progressives Congress challenger in Kwara South.

Mr Ashiru was reportedly on a campaign stop in Ojoku, Mr Ibrahim’s ancestral hometown, on Tuesday night when supporters of both camps clashed.

Both camps have blamed one another for the deadly incident.

Mr Ibrahim’s supporters accused the police of inviting and detaining only the senator, while leaving Mr Ashiru to continue his campaign ahead of the election on Saturday.

They said his detention could hinder his election strategy, while conferring advantage on his opponent.