Police Arrest 11 Suspects Over Attack on Sowore in Ekiti

The Ekiti State Police Command has arrested 11 suspects in connection with the attack on African Action Congress (AAC) presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, and several others at a restaurant in Ado-Ekiti.

According to the police, operatives of the Rapid Response Squad (RRS) launched an operation on Friday night following credible intelligence, leading to the arrest of the suspects at their hideouts in the Atikankan area of the state capital.

The command’s spokesperson, Sunday Abutu, disclosed the development in a statement on Saturday, saying the arrests were linked to the incident that occurred at Tawakalitu Restaurant in the Dalimore area of Ado-Ekiti.

The suspects were identified as Joseph Tayo, Olatunji Abayomi, Isaac Amba, Kehinde Ajigbana, Tosin David, Solomon Iyanu, Ogunsola Ayomide, Ojo Ayodeji, Kayode Dada, Segun Olatunji and Salami Emmanuel.

Police said several items were recovered from the suspects, including two walkie-talkies, substances suspected to be Indian hemp and Colorado, drug-grinding equipment, ATM cards, mobile phones, vehicle keys, a flash drive, identity cards, passports, suspected charms and a small amount of cash.

Authorities said investigations were ongoing to determine the specific roles played by each suspect and to uncover any wider network connected to the attack.

“The suspects are currently in police custody, while investigations continue to establish their individual involvement and identify any other persons linked to the incident,” the statement said.

Commissioner of Police Michael Falade assured residents that everyone found culpable would be prosecuted, stressing that the command remained committed to maintaining law and order regardless of political affiliations.

The police also confirmed that Sowore and the other victims had received medical treatment and had been discharged from hospital.

The arrests follow a public dispute between Sowore and the police over the nature of the incident. While the police initially described the event as an altercation involving the AAC candidate and some individuals at the restaurant, Sowore rejected that account, insisting that he and his associates were victims of a coordinated attack.

He accused the police of downplaying the seriousness of the incident and maintained that armed men assaulted him and members of his entourage, threatening their lives during the attack.

The African Action Congress also called for a thorough investigation, describing the incident as an assault on its members and demanding accountability for those responsible.

The latest arrests mark a significant step in the ongoing police investigation into the attack, which has generated widespread public attention and political debate.