Sowore Reacts as Ekiti Police Arrest 11 Over Attack

Human rights activist and African Action Congress (AAC) presidential aspirant Omoyele Sowore has called for the identification and arrest of the alleged masterminds and sponsors of an attack on him and members of his team in Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State.

His reaction followed the arrest of 11 suspects by the Ekiti State Police Command in connection with the incident at Tawakalitu Restaurant in the Dalimore area of the state capital.

The police said operatives of the Rapid Response Squad arrested the suspects at their hideouts in the Atikankan area at about 10 p.m. on Friday, October 30, following a tip-off.

The command’s spokesperson, Abutu Sunday, identified the suspects 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.

According to the police, items recovered during the operation included two walkie-talkies, 13 mobile phones, seven ATM cards, two vehicle keys, a flash drive, a 5G Wi-Fi device, eight international passports and substances suspected to be Indian hemp and Colorado.

The command said investigations were ongoing to establish the individual roles of the suspects, determine their possible links to the incident and identify other people involved.

Reacting to the arrests in a post on X on Saturday, Sowore said apprehending the suspects would not be enough unless those who allegedly planned, financed and coordinated the attack were also brought to justice.

He also called on the police and the Department of State Services to preserve and release relevant CCTV footage to help establish what happened and identify everyone involved.

The incident has sparked disagreement between Sowore and the police over its circumstances. The command initially described it as an altercation, while Sowore rejected that account and insisted that he and his associates were attacked.

The police said Sowore and the other victims had received medical attention and been discharged from hospital. Commissioner of Police Falade Michael assured the public that anyone found culpable would be brought to justice.

The allegations against the suspects and claims about possible sponsors remain subject to investigation.