Human rights activist and African Action Congress (AAC) presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, has rejected the arraignment of 11 persons by the Ekiti State Police Command over the October 30 attack on him and members of his team. Sowore described the court proceedings as a "ruse and cover-up" to protect the alleged masterminds. The attack occurred at Tawakalitu Restaurant in Ado-Ekiti on Friday, October 30, 2026.
Sowore said none of the principal perpetrators he had publicly identified had been arrested or brought before a court. He accused the police of using the arraignment to divert attention from the alleged attempted assassination and shield those who planned, sponsored, coordinated and executed the attack. The activist made these claims in a statement on Wednesday.
The 11 defendants were arraigned before a Chief Magistrate's Court in Ado-Ekiti on charges bordering on conspiracy and assault occasioning harm. The prosecutor, ASP Akinwale Oriyomi, told the court that the defendants and others still at large allegedly conspired to assault Sowore and cause him harm on October 30, 2026. The defendants were also accused of assaulting other members of Sowore's team and damaging property.
The defendants identified are Joseph Tayo, 32; Olatunji Abayomi, 41; Gban Isaac Amba, 22; Kehinde Ajigbena, 18; Tosin David, 18; Solomon Iyanu, 18; Ogunsola Ayomide, 21; Ojo Ayodeji, 22; Kayode Dada, 32; Segun Olatunji, 28; and Salami Emmanuel, 53. The prosecution said the alleged offences were punishable under Sections 421, 186, 363 and 181(1)(d) of the Criminal Law of Ekiti State, 2021.
Sowore disclosed that his team had identified 12 individuals and government officials whose actions, associations and possible involvement in the incident required urgent and independent criminal investigations. He insisted that the police investigation should go beyond the 11 defendants arraigned in court and extend to those allegedly behind the attack.
The Chief Magistrate, Abayomi Adeosun, granted each defendant bail of N100,000 with one surety in like sum. The case was adjourned until December 4, 2026, for hearing. Sowore has maintained that the police must investigate the alleged masterminds and those who sponsored or facilitated the attack rather than limit the case to the 11 persons arraigned.
Sowore renewed his demand for the removal of the Ekiti State Commissioner of Police, Falade, insisting that the police chief should not remain in charge of the investigation. The activist's concerns raise questions about the impartiality and thoroughness of the investigation into the attempted assassination.
Key points
- Sowore rejects the arraignment of 11 persons over the attempted assassination, calling it a "ruse and cover-up".
- The police investigation should extend beyond the 11 defendants to those allegedly behind the attack, according to Sowore.
- Sowore demands the removal of the Ekiti State Commissioner of Police, Falade, from the investigation.
