The Ekiti State Police Command has confirmed that the presidential candidate of the African Action Congress, Omoyele Sowore, sustained an injury during an altercation with some individuals at a restaurant in Ado Ekiti.
The command said Sowore was rescued by police operatives after they received a report about the incident and was taken to the Police Hospital in Ado Ekiti, where he is receiving medical attention.
The police clarification followed a message posted on Sowore’s X account alleging that armed thugs had kidnapped him and that his whereabouts were unknown.
The post also claimed that Sowore and members of his team were attacked by government-sponsored thugs, accusing the Department of State Services (DSS) of providing the attackers with their location.
“We have been brutally attacked and injured by armed government-sponsored thugs in Ado Ekiti, Ekiti State.
“The @officialDSSNG provided the attackers with our exact location enabling them to carry out this vicious assault. We won’t back down. We have a country to liberate,” the post stated.
However, the Police Public Relations Officer in Ekiti State, Sunday Abutu, dismissed the kidnapping claim, saying preliminary information indicated that Sowore had an altercation with some individuals at a restaurant.
In a statement issued on Friday, Abutu said police operatives were alerted to the incident and immediately moved to the location.
“The command wishes to categorically clarify that Mr Omoyele Sowore was not kidnapped. Rather, preliminary information indicates that he had an altercation with some individuals at a restaurant in Ado Ekiti, following which the police were immediately alerted,” he said.
He added that the operatives rescued Sowore and took him to the police medical facility after he sustained a minor injury.
“Upon receiving the report, police operatives swiftly mobilised to the scene and successfully rescued him. He, however, sustained a minor injury and is currently receiving medical attention at the Police Hospital, Ado-Ekiti,” Abutu stated.
The police spokesperson further disclosed that the Commissioner of Police, Michael Falade, had ordered an investigation to establish what happened and identify those involved.
“The Commissioner of Police, Michael Falade, has ordered a discreet investigation into the incident to establish the full circumstances surrounding the altercation, identify all individuals involved and ensure that anyone found culpable is brought to justice,” he said.
The command urged residents to remain calm and avoid spreading unverified information about the incident.
It also asked the public to disregard what it described as a misleading account of an alleged kidnapping, warning that unconfirmed reports could cause unnecessary panic and tension.
The police said they remained committed to protecting lives and property across the state, regardless of political affiliation or social status.
