Human rights activist and African Action Congress (AAC) presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore has sustained injuries following an incident involving suspected armed thugs in Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State, on Friday, October 30, 2026.
Sowore alleged that armed men attacked and abducted him during a visit to the state, leaving several members of his entourage injured.
The incident reportedly occurred at Tawakalitu Restaurants and Catering Services in the Dalimore area of Ado-Ekiti, shortly after Sowore participated in a radio interview.
Initial reports from his official X account claimed that armed men had kidnapped him and that his whereabouts were unknown.
However, the Ekiti State Police Command disputed the kidnapping allegation, saying officers intervened following an altercation at the restaurant and rescued the activist.
Police confirmed that Sowore sustained injuries and was receiving treatment at the Police Hospital in Ado-Ekiti.
Sowore Alleges Armed Attack and Kidnapping
In a post on X, Sowore alleged that armed men attacked him and members of his team during their visit to Ekiti State.
His account initially reported that he had been kidnapped by armed thugs, raising concerns about his safety.
In a subsequent statement, Sowore accused individuals he described as government-sponsored thugs of carrying out the attack.
He alleged that the Department of State Services (DSS) provided the attackers with information about his location.
According to Sowore, the incident occurred shortly after he completed an interview at Midas FM 90.5 in Ado-Ekiti.
He also claimed that security operatives had been monitoring his movements since his arrival in the state.
However, the allegations against the DSS have not been independently substantiated.
Sowore Hospitalised, Brother and Supporters Reportedly Injured
Following the incident, reports emerged that Sowore had been taken to a hospital for treatment.
Photographs shared on his X account showed him with bandages on his hand and leg.
SaharaReporters also reported that Sowore’s brother and several campaign members sustained injuries during the attack.
According to eyewitness accounts cited by the publication, some of the attackers allegedly used machetes against members of his entourage.
Other individuals at the restaurant were also reportedly injured.
Photographs and videos circulating on social media appeared to show injured individuals receiving medical attention.
However, the precise number of casualties and the full extent of their injuries have not been independently established.
Ekiti Police Deny Sowore Was Kidnapped
The Ekiti State Police Command rejected reports that Sowore had been abducted.
In a statement issued on Friday, Police Public Relations Officer Sunday Abutu said preliminary information indicated that Sowore had an altercation with some individuals at a restaurant in the Dalimore area.
According to Abutu, officers responded after receiving a distress report and rescued the AAC presidential candidate.
The police spokesperson confirmed that Sowore sustained what the command described as a minor injury and was receiving medical treatment.
He also disclosed that the Commissioner of Police, Michael Falade, had ordered an investigation to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident.
The command said the investigation would identify those involved and ensure that anyone found responsible faced appropriate action.
Police urged members of the public to avoid spreading unverified information about the alleged kidnapping.
Sowore Rejects Police Account of Ekiti Incident
Sowore subsequently challenged the police description of the incident, insisting that he and his associates were victims of a coordinated attack rather than an ordinary altercation.
In another post on X, he accused the Ekiti State Police Command of downplaying the seriousness of the incident.
He said the state Commissioner of Police had personally visited the scene and witnessed the injuries sustained by members of his team.
Sowore questioned why the police described the injuries as minor despite the medical treatment being provided.
He also alleged that the police and DSS had obtained CCTV footage from the restaurant and expressed concern that the evidence could be suppressed.
Those allegations have not been independently verified.
The police have not publicly established whether Sowore was forcibly taken or restrained before officers intervened.
Sowore Accuses Ekiti Government of Involvement
The activist further alleged that those responsible for the attack were connected to the Ekiti State Government House.
He claimed that the attackers received operational assistance from the DSS.
Sowore also alleged that security operatives had harassed members of his team before the incident.
However, no independently verified evidence has established the identities or political affiliations of the attackers.
The Ekiti State Government and the DSS had not issued verified public responses to the specific allegations at the time of the reports reviewed.
Why Sowore Was in Ekiti State
Sowore reportedly arrived in Ekiti State on Thursday ahead of activities connected with the Ikogosi Marathon scheduled for Saturday.
His visit also included political engagements and a radio interview.
The incident has raised concerns about the safety of political figures and their supporters as preparations continue for Nigeria’s 2027 general elections.
Although police have confirmed that Sowore sustained injuries and received medical attention, the circumstances surrounding the incident remain disputed.
Further investigation will be necessary to determine whether an abduction occurred, identify those responsible for the violence and establish whether any security officials or political actors were involved.
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