Olumide is a known loyalist of Engineer Kayode Ojo, an APC governorship aspirant for the 2026 election, a political link sources say is central to his continued detention.
The Ekiti State Correctional Service has failed to release Akogun Abayomi Olumide, popularly known as Lustay, a former Chairman of the Ekiti State Microcredit and Enterprise Development Agency, despite an order of the State High Court directing his release, SaharaReporters has learnt.
Sources said the refusal to free Olumide, a prominent All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain in Ado-Ekiti, is being carried out under the directive of the Ekiti State Government.
Olumide is a known loyalist of Engineer Kayode Ojo, an APC governorship aspirant for the 2026 election, a political link sources say is central to his continued detention.
A source familiar with the matter told SaharaReporters on Thursday that the state government, allegedly working with some judicial officials, is attempting to secure what was described as an “illegal remand order” to keep Olumide in custody.
“They are desperate to remand him again without any formal invitation, re-arrest, or fresh arraignment before a judge,” the source said. “This is executive lawlessness and a blatant abuse of the judicial process.”
According to the source, no new charge has been filed against Olumide since the court ruling, and he was not re-arrested. Despite this, moves are allegedly ongoing to fabricate another detention order to override the decision of Justice Dele Omotosho.
SaharaReporters earlier reported that the Ekiti State High Court in Ado-Ekiti struck out the case against Olumide, citing the prosecution’s failure to establish a prima facie case.
Olumide had been standing trial on a nine-count charge bordering on conspiracy to commit robbery, armed robbery, attempted murder, unlawful possession of offensive weapons, and malicious damage. The charges were filed by the Ekiti State Government.
The court’s ruling effectively terminated the proceedings, although legal experts note that the state may refile charges only if fresh and credible evidence emerges.
The case had attracted widespread attention due to Olumide’s former role in government and the gravity of the allegations. He pleaded not guilty to all counts, consistently maintaining that the charges were politically motivated.
Earlier reports also raised concerns about Olumide’s health while in detention. In January 2026, sources said he was hospitalised at the Ado-Ekiti Correctional Centre over diabetes-related complications, with access to family members and lawyers reportedly restricted.
Supporters described his treatment as punitive and politically driven.
Olumide was removed from office in August 2025 over allegations of “gross misconduct.”
Following his dismissal, he accused the administration of Governor Biodun Oyebanji of victimisation, linking it to his political alignment with Ojo.
On January 1, 2026, Olumide was arrested by operatives of the Rapid Response Squad (RRS) over allegations including conspiracy to commit robbery and attempted murder. He denied the accusations and alleged political persecution.
Supporters further claimed he was held incommunicado after his arrest and pressured to renounce his political loyalty.
In a related development, Ojo petitioned the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, accusing the Ekiti State Police Command of brutality, illegal arrests, and political persecution of his supporters.
The petition named Olumide and others, alleging detention on what were described as “phantom charges” and violations of due process. Ojo also accused elements within the judiciary of complicity.
He demanded the immediate release of detainees, withdrawal of charges, and the transfer of investigations to Abuja to guarantee neutrality.
Ojo warned that unchecked political persecution could plunge Ekiti State into a climate of repression and fear.