On October 30, 2026, human rights activist and African Action Congress presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, and members of his team were attacked by armed men in Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State. The attack occurred at Tawakalitu Restaurant, shortly after Sowore concluded a live radio interview. Sowore and his entourage were assaulted, leaving several people injured, including security personnel. The attackers dispossessed team members of personal belongings, and Sowore sustained injuries requiring medical attention.
Sowore has described the incident as a coordinated assassination attempt, alleging that the attackers acted with the knowledge, assistance, or complicity of politically connected individuals and security operatives. He has named several individuals and officials allegedly involved in the attack, including Governor of Ekiti State, Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji, and Chief Security Officer to Governor Oyebanji, CSP Ayodele Akinlua. Sowore has demanded an investigation into their alleged involvement.
The Ekiti State Police Command previously announced the arrest and arraignment of 11 individuals, but Sowore rejected the development, insisting that those presented before the court were not the principal attackers. He accused the police of deliberately pursuing a misleading investigation while allowing the individuals he identified to remain at large. Sowore has also alleged that DSS personnel monitored his movements and intimidated individuals hosting his political meetings.
The controversy surrounding the police investigation has deepened following allegations that critical evidence from the attack scene was compromised. Sowore claims that CCTV equipment containing recordings of the incident was removed by security personnel and subsequently returned with the footage allegedly erased. He has demanded an independent forensic examination of the equipment to recover the original recordings.
Sowore's legal team petitioned the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, requesting an independent investigation into the incident. Sowore and supporters staged a protest at the Force Headquarters in Abuja, demanding the arrest of those responsible. A senior police officer reportedly informed protesters that a team of investigators had been dispatched from Abuja to Ekiti State to conduct a detailed investigation.
The individuals named by Sowore as allegedly involved in the attack include Oyetunde Oladimeji Ojo, Managing Director of the Federal Housing Authority, and Makinde Araoye, an Ekiti Proprietor. Sowore has also accused Sunday Adedayo Asefon, Senior Special Assistant to President Bola Tinubu on Student Engagement, of allegedly coordinating and financing individuals involved in the attack.
The Nigerian Police Force has promised to conduct an independent investigation into the incident. Sowore said the police requested one week to make progress. The incident has raised concerns about the security situation in Ekiti State and the alleged involvement of politically connected individuals in the attack.
Key points
- The Nigerian Police Force has yet to announce the arrest or prosecution of any of the principal suspects in the alleged assassination attempt on Omoyele Sowore.
- Sowore has named several individuals and officials allegedly involved in the attack, including the Governor of Ekiti State and the Chief Security Officer to the Governor.
- The controversy surrounding the police investigation has deepened following allegations that critical evidence from the attack scene was compromised.
