The Ekiti State Government has strongly distanced itself from the alleged physical assault on Omoyele Sowore, the 2027 presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), which took place in Ado-Ekiti. Rejecting insinuations that state authorities orchestrated the violence, the administration urged law enforcement agencies to conduct an exhaustive inquiry and ensure all perpetrators face prosecution.
According to reports, the confrontation occurred on Friday at an eatery located within the Dalimore district of Ado-Ekiti, leaving Sowore and several companions allegedly injured and requiring hospital care. Responding to the claims, Yinka Oyebode, the Chief Press Secretary to Governor Biodun Oyebanji, issued a statement on Saturday clarifying the government's stance to avoid public misinformation.
What did the state government say about the incident?
The state administration maintained that it has consistently fostered a peaceful political climate, pointing to the calm atmosphere maintained throughout recent political exercises in the region. The government described allegations that it would target political figures as absurd and emphasized its unwavering support for democratic ideals, the rule of law, and the protection of civil liberties for all residents.
"The Ekiti State Government therefore dissociates itself totally from the incident and calls on the Police authorities to conduct a thorough investigation, identify those responsible and ensure that they are brought to justice," the official statement noted.
How did the police respond to the attack?
In a swift operational response, the Nigeria Police Force command in Ekiti State confirmed the apprehension of 11 individuals in connection with the disturbance. SP Abutu Sunday, the Police Public Relations Officer, stated that operatives from the Rapid Response Squad (RRS) utilized actionable intelligence to apprehend the suspects at their hideouts in the Atikankan neighborhood of Ado-Ekiti around 10:00 p.m. on Friday.
The detained suspects were named 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).
Authorities recovered multiple exhibits during the raid, including two walkie- talkies, 13 mobile phones, eight international passports, seven ATM cards, two vehicle keys, a flash drive, an MTN 5G Wi-Fi router, various identity and complimentary cards, two suspected criminal charms, quantities of substances identified as Indian hemp and Colorado, drug crushers, Rizla papers, a gas lighter, and the sum of N250.
Commissioner of Police Michael Falade assured residents that the command remains resolute in safeguarding lives and property across the state without prejudice. Police authorities also confirmed that all individuals affected by the altercation, including Sowore, received necessary medical treatment and have since been discharged from the hospital as investigations continue.