The Ekiti State Police Command has made an arrest in connection with the recent attack on African Action Congress (AAC) presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore and other individuals at a restaurant in Ado-Ekiti, the state capital. According to the police, 11 suspects were apprehended on Friday, October 30, 2026, following a tip-off about their hideouts in the Atikankan area of the town. The arrested suspects are Joseph Tayo, 32; Olatunji Abayomi, 41; Isaac Amba, 22; Kehinde Ajigbana, 18; Tosin David, 18; Solomon Iyanu, 18; Ogunsola Ayomide, 21; Ojo Ayodeji, 22; Kayode Dada, 32; Segun Olatunji, 28; and Salami Emmanuel, 53.
The police recovered various items from the suspects, including two walkie-talkies, substances suspected to be Indian hemp and Colorado, two Indian hemp crushers, a pack of Rizla, seven ATM cards, and 13 mobile phones. Other items found were two vehicle keys, a flash drive, a 5G MTN Wi-Fi device, identity cards, eight international passports, three complimentary cards, two suspected criminal charms, a gas lighter, and N250. The police stated that investigations are ongoing to determine the individual roles of the suspects and their possible connections to the attack.
The attack on Sowore and others occurred at Tawakalitu Restaurant in the Dalimore Area of Ado-Ekiti. The police initially described the incident as an altercation involving Sowore and some individuals, stating that the AAC presidential aspirant was injured and taken to hospital for treatment. However, Sowore disputed the police account, claiming that the incident was a coordinated attack by armed men.
Sowore alleged that armed men beat him and threatened to kill him during the incident, and accused the attackers of targeting him and members of his entourage. He also claimed that the Commissioner of Police had visited the scene and seen the injuries sustained by the victims but still described what happened as an altercation. The disagreement between Sowore and the Ekiti State Police Command over the circumstances surrounding the attack led to the police launching a thorough investigation.
The Commissioner of Police, Falade Michael, has assured residents that everyone found culpable in the attack will be brought to justice. He stated that the command "will leave no stone unturned in ensuring that all those found culpable are brought to justice." The police also reiterated their commitment to protecting lives and property and maintaining peace and security across the state, irrespective of political affiliations.
The police confirmed that Sowore and the other victims have received medical attention and been discharged from the hospital. The command wishes to reconfirm that all the victims, including Mr Sowore, have received medical attention, been treated, and discharged from the hospital. The arrests and ongoing investigations demonstrate the police's efforts to address the incident and ensure justice for those involved.
The Ekiti State Police Command's swift action in arresting the suspects and recovering evidence has been seen as a positive step towards resolving the incident. The police's commitment to investigating the attack and bringing those responsible to justice is expected to help restore peace and stability in the state.
Key points
- 11 suspects arrested in connection with the attack on Omoyele Sowore
- Police recover evidence, including walkie-talkies, substances suspected to be Indian hemp, and 13 mobile phones
- Investigations ongoing to determine individual roles of suspects and their connections to the attack
