The Ekiti State Police Command has arrested 11 suspects over the alleged attack on the African Action Congress presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, at a restaurant in Ado-Ekiti, while the state government has denied allegations of complicity in the incident.
The suspects were apprehended by operatives of the Rapid Response Squad at their hideouts in the Atikankan area of the state capital at about 10pm on Friday, October 30, following a tip-off.
The incident occurred at Tawakalitu Restaurant in the Dalimore area of Ado-Ekiti, where Sowore and other persons were reportedly attacked. The police said investigations were ongoing to establish the suspects’ individual roles and determine whether other people were involved.
The suspects were identified 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 recovered during the arrests included two walkie-talkies, substances suspected to be Indian hemp and Colorado, two cannabis crushers, a pack of Rizla, seven ATM cards, 13 mobile phones, two vehicle keys and a flash drive.
Other items reportedly recovered were an MTN 5G Wi-Fi device, identity cards, eight international passports, three complimentary cards, two suspected criminal charms, a gas lighter and N250. The police said the suspects remained in custody as investigations continued.
The Commissioner of Police, Michael Falade, assured that anyone found culpable would face the law, irrespective of political affiliation. He also urged residents to remain calm and provide credible information that could assist the investigation.
Meanwhile, the Ekiti State Government has distanced itself from the incident, describing allegations linking it to the attack as unfounded. The Chief Press Secretary to Governor Biodun Oyebanji, Olayinka Oyebode, said in a statement on Saturday that the government had no involvement in the reported assault.
Oyebode said the government urged the police to investigate the incident thoroughly and bring anyone responsible to justice. He added that although the circumstances surrounding Sowore’s visit and the altercation had raised questions, the government would leave the determination of the facts to the relevant authorities.
He also questioned why the administration would harass or intimidate a presidential candidate, noting that the state had witnessed peaceful conduct of its recent governorship campaign and election.
The government reiterated its commitment to peace, the rule of law and democratic principles, as well as the protection of residents and visitors regardless of their political affiliations.
The police also confirmed that Sowore and the other victims had received medical attention and were discharged from the hospital. The Police Public Relations Officer, SP Sunday Abutu, disclosed this in a statement issued on Saturday, October 31, 2026.
