Sowore Hospitalised After Altercation at Ado-Ekiti Restaurant, Police Deny Abduction

The Ekiti State Police Command has confirmed an incident involving the presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), Omoyele Sowore, at a restaurant in Ado-Ekiti, saying he sustained minor injuries and was receiving medical attention.

The incident occurred on Friday at an eatery in the Dalimore area of the state capital, where Sowore was reportedly attacked while visiting the state ahead of the Ikogosi Marathon scheduled for Saturday.

The development initially triggered concerns after posts on Sowore's official social media accounts alleged that armed men had attacked him and taken him away, leaving his whereabouts unknown.

However, the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Sunday Abutu, said preliminary investigations indicated that Sowore had an altercation with some individuals at the restaurant.

He explained that operatives were promptly mobilised following a distress report and successfully rescued the politician.

Abutu clarified that Sowore was not kidnapped but sustained minor injuries during the confrontation and was receiving medical care at the Police Hospital in Ado-Ekiti.

The police spokesperson described reports of an abduction as false and misleading, urging members of the public to avoid circulating unverified information capable of causing unnecessary panic.

He added that the Commissioner of Police, Michael Falade, had ordered a discreet investigation to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident, identify those involved and ensure that anyone found culpable was brought to justice.

Earlier, the AAC and the Sowore/Magashi Presidential Election Campaign had raised concerns over the politician's safety, calling on security agencies to investigate the reported attack and provide appropriate protection.

The campaign also condemned violence and intimidation in political activities, insisting that electoral competition should not expose citizens or political actors to attacks.

Sowore is the AAC's presidential candidate for the 2027 general election and was in Ekiti State for campaign-related engagements and participation in the scheduled marathon.

The police assured residents of their commitment to protecting lives and property, irrespective of political affiliation or status.