Sowore
The police dismissed reports that Sowore was abducted by armed men, explaining that he was involved in an altercation with some individuals at an eatery in the Dalimore area of the city on Friday.
The Ekiti State Police Command has confirmed that African Action Congress (AAC) presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, was attacked at a restaurant in Ado-Ekiti, the state capital, but that he was never abducted.
The police dismissed reports that Sowore was abducted by armed men, explaining that he was involved in an altercation with some individuals at an eatery in the Dalimore area of the city on Friday.
In a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Sunday Abutu, the command said it received a distress report and immediately deployed operatives to the scene where Sowore was rescued.
The police said that “Mr. Sowore was not kidnapped,” adding that preliminary investigations showed that he had an altercation with some individuals at the facility.
Ekiti police confirmed that Sowore sustained minor injuries during the incident and was receiving medical attention at the Police Hospital in Ado-Ekiti.
The Sowore/Magashi Presidential Election Campaign had earlier raised the alarm over the incident, saying the candidate and members of his team were attacked at about 1pm.
The campaign spokesperson, Abdulkareem Musa, called on the police, Department of State Services (DSS), Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and other relevant agencies to investigate the incident and ensure Sowore’s safety.
The state Commissioner of Police, CP Michael Falade, has ordered a thorough investigation to establish the immediate and remote causes of the altercation, identify those involved and ensure that anyone found culpable is brought to justice.
Sowore’s visit to Ekiti was ahead of the 2026 Ikogosi Marathon scheduled for Saturday, October 31. The 17.5 kilometre race will begin at Ilawe-Ekiti Roundabout and end at Ikogosi Warm Springs Resort.
