Ado-Ekiti, October 30, 2026 – The Ekiti State Police Command has confirmed that Omoyele Sowore, presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC) and publisher of Sahara Reporters, sustained injuries during an incident at a restaurant in Ado-Ekiti on Friday and is receiving medical treatment.
Police Public Relations Officer SP Sunday Abutu said in a statement that Sowore was not kidnapped, contrary to earlier social media reports that claimed armed thugs abducted him and that his whereabouts were unknown.
“The Command wishes to categorically clarify that Mr. Sowore was not kidnapped. Rather, preliminary information indicates that he had an altercation with some individuals at a restaurant around Dalimore area, Ado-Ekiti, following which the police were immediately alerted,” Abutu stated.
“Upon receiving the report, police operatives swiftly mobilised to the scene and successfully rescued him. He, however, sustained a minor injury and is currently receiving medical attention at the Police Hospital, Ado-Ekiti.”
The Commissioner of Police, CP Falade Adegoroye Michael, has ordered a discreet investigation to establish the full circumstances of the incident, identify those involved, and ensure that anyone found culpable is brought to justice. The command urged the public to disregard unverified claims of kidnapping capable of causing panic and tension.
Sowore rejected the police description of the incident. In posts on X, he insisted there was no altercation and that he and members of his team were attacked. “There was no altercation! We were attacked!” he declared.
He alleged that the attackers came from the Ekiti State Government House, were well known, and received tracking and operational support from the Department of State Services (DSS). Sowore said DSS operatives had been trailing and harassing his team since their arrival in the state on Thursday. He claimed the assault occurred shortly after he completed an interview at MIDAS FM 90.5 in Ado-Ekiti.
Sowore further stated that the Commissioner of Police personally visited the scene, saw the injuries, and witnessed the aftermath, yet the command described the injuries as minor and the incident as an altercation. Photos shared by Sowore showed him with bandages on his hand and leg/knee while receiving treatment. At least one associate was also reported injured.
Some initial accounts from eyewitnesses and the AAC described the attackers as political thugs allegedly linked to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) who stormed the premises—identified in some reports as Tawakalitu Restaurants and Catering Services—and attempted to forcibly remove Sowore. The AAC had earlier raised alarm over the attack and called for his safety to be guaranteed.
Sowore had arrived in Ekiti on Thursday for political consultations and ahead of the Ikogosi Marathon scheduled for Saturday.
The police maintain that officers responded to a distress call, intervened, and ensured Sowore’s safety. Investigations continue.
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