The Nigerian Navy has reportedly arrested the All Progressives Congress (APC) House of Assembly candidate for Atakumosa East/West Constituency, Babatunde Komolafe Festus, alongside some party supporters, over the alleged possession of a firearm.

Komolafe was reportedly apprehended on Thursday in Ifewara, his hometown, while travelling in an APC campaign vehicle with other supporters.

According to reports, the arrest followed a routine search by Navy personnel, during which a rifle was allegedly found inside the vehicle.

The sources said the vehicle was reportedly being used for the campaign activities of APC governorship candidate, Bola Oyebamiji, when the incident occurred.

“He was arrested today after a routine search by Navy officials exposed him and other supporters with a gun. They were in the campaign vehicle of APC candidate Bola Oyebamiji when they were caught,” a source was quoted as saying.

The reported arrest comes two days before the Osun State governorship election scheduled for Saturday, August 15, amid heightened political tension and concerns over alleged threats and inflammatory statements by political actors.

The development is also coming against the backdrop of another security incident involving an alleged political operative who was reportedly arrested in possession of a firearm and a police uniform.

The yet-to-be-identified man was said to have confessed during interrogation that he was working for the APC House of Representatives candidate for Ifelodun, Boripe and Odo-Otin Federal Constituency, Francis Eniade.

A video of the suspect’s interrogation was circulating on Thursday.

In the video, the suspect reportedly admitted ownership of the firearm allegedly used during an attack involving the Speaker of the Osun State House of Assembly, Adewale Egbedun.

He further claimed that he was working for Eniade and had accompanied the politician to the location where the incident occurred.

When questioned about why he did not take Eniade along after the incident, the suspect reportedly explained that the firearm belonged to him and that he was the person using it.

“The gun belongs to me. My office owns it and I’m the one using,” he said.

The latest arrests are likely to heighten concerns over security ahead of Saturday’s election, with security agencies under pressure to prevent violence and ensure a peaceful electoral process.