No fewer than 11 suspects have been arrested by the police in connection with the attack on the African Action Congress presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, and other persons in Ado-Ekiti on Friday.
This was as the Ekiti State Government on Saturday dismissed allegations by Sowore linking the state government to his attack at a restaurant in Ado-Ekiti.
The AAC presidential candidate had on Friday raised the alarm that he was kidnapped after an attack, a development that led to a disagreement between him and the police.
While the police said Sowore sustained a minor injury during an altercation in a restaurant in Ado-Ekiti, Sowore tackled the police for allegedly being complicit in the attack, saying he and his supporters were brutalised.
Sowore also accused the Ekiti State Government of being behind the alleged assault on him.
However, the Police Public Relations Officer in the Ekiti State Command, Sunday Abutu, said in a statement that 11 suspects had been arrested over the attack.
“Rapid Response Squad operatives, based on a credible tip-off, swooped on the hideouts of the suspects at Atikankan Area of Ado-Ekiti at about 10 p.m. on Friday, October 30, 2026, where they were arrested,” he said.
“Items recovered from the suspects included two walkie-talkies, substances suspected to be Indian hemp and Colorado, two Indian hemp crushers, one pack of Rizla, seven ATM cards, 13 mobile phones, two vehicle keys, one flash drive, one 5G MTN Wi-Fi device, identity cards, eight international passports, three complimentary cards, two suspected criminal charms, one gas lighter and N250.”
“The suspects are in police custody, while investigations are ongoing to establish their individual roles, determine their possible connections with the attack and identify other persons involved.”
Abutu said the Commissioner of Police in the state, Micheal Falade, assured the public that the command would leave no stone unturned in ensuring that all those found culpable were brought to justice.
In a related development, the Ekiti State Government, in a statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Olayinka Oyebode, dismissed allegations by Sowore linking the state government to the attack.
Oyebode stated, “The Ekiti State Government therefore dissociates itself totally from the incident and calls on the police authorities to conduct a thorough investigation, identify those responsible and ensure that they are brought to justice.”
“The government also wishes to reiterate its commitment to sustaining Ekiti State’s reputation as one of the most peaceful states in the country, founded on respect for the rule of law, democratic principles and tolerance of diverse social and political views.”
“The government remains committed to protecting the rights and safety of all residents and visitors to the state, irrespective of their political affiliations or opinions.”
“It is particularly absurd, however, to suggest that a state widely recognised for the remarkably peaceful conduct of its recent governorship campaign and election would resort to harassing or hounding an opposition presidential candidate.”