The Ekiti State Police Command has arrested 11 suspects in connection with the attack on African Action Congress presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, and other persons at a restaurant in Ado-Ekiti, the state capital.
The breakthrough was disclosed in a statement issued on Saturday by the command’s Public Relations Officer, Abutu Sunday, ValidViewNetwork reports.
THE ARREST
According to the police, the suspects were apprehended by operatives of the Rapid Response Squad at their hideouts in the Atikankan area of Ado-Ekiti at about 10 p.m. on Friday, October 30, 2026, following a tip-off.
The command identified the suspects as 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.
Items allegedly recovered from the suspects included 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 listed by the command were two vehicle keys, a flash drive, an MTN 5G Wi-Fi device, identity cards, eight international passports, three complimentary cards, two suspected criminal charms, a gas lighter and N250.
THE INVESTIGATION
The command said investigations were ongoing to determine the individual roles of the suspects, establish any links they might have to the attack and identify other persons who may have been involved.
“The suspects are in police custody, while investigations are ongoing to establish their individual roles, determine their possible connections with the attack and identify other persons involved,” the statement said.
The Commissioner of Police, Falade Michael, assured residents that the command would ensure that anyone found responsible for the incident faced the law.
According to the statement, Michael said the police “will leave no stone unturned in ensuring that all those found culpable are brought to justice.”
He reiterated the command’s commitment to safeguarding lives and property and maintaining peace and security across Ekiti State, regardless of political affiliations.
The police also confirmed that Sowore and the other victims had received medical treatment and been discharged from the hospital.
THE CONFLICTING ACCOUNTS
The arrests followed a public disagreement between Sowore and the Ekiti State Police Command over the circumstances surrounding the incident.
The police had initially described the incident as an altercation between Sowore and some individuals at Tawakalitu Restaurant, stating that the AAC presidential aspirant sustained injuries and was taken to hospital for treatment.
Sowore, however, rejected the account, insisting that he and members of his entourage were subjected to a coordinated attack by armed men rather than being involved in an altercation.
The activist accused the police of attempting to downplay the incident, alleging that the Commissioner of Police had visited the scene and witnessed the injuries sustained by the victims but still characterised the incident as an altercation.
“There was no altercation! We were attacked!” Sowore declared.
Do you want to advertise with us?
Do you need publicity for a product, service, or event?
Contact us on WhatsApp +2348033617468, +234 816 612 1513, +234 703 010 7174
or Email: validviewnetwork@gmail.com
CLICK TO JOIN OUR WHATSAPP GROUP
He subsequently alleged that armed men assaulted him and threatened to kill him during the incident. He also raised concerns about the safety of his entourage members, claiming they were among those targeted.
The African Action Congress also condemned the incident, alleging that Sowore and other party members were attacked in Ado-Ekiti and calling for a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the assault.
WHY IT MATTERS
The arrest of 11 suspects is a significant development in a case that has exposed the dangers faced by opposition figures in Nigeria ahead of the 2027 election.
For Sowore, the arrests may provide a measure of justice. For the police, the challenge is to ensure that the investigation is thorough and that the suspects are prosecuted if found culpable.
But the case is not just about the 11 suspects. It is about the political climate in Ekiti State and the willingness of the authorities to protect all citizens, regardless of their political affiliations.
The investigation continues. The suspects remain in custody. And Sowore’s allegation that he was targeted for his political views has not been fully addressed. ValidViewNetwork reports.