Police Dispute Sowore Kidnap Claim After Restaurant Attack in Ado-Ekiti

The Ekiti State Police Command has rejected claims that armed men abducted African Action Congress (AAC) presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore in Ado-Ekiti. Officers say a restaurant altercation left him with a minor injury. Sowore’s camp, however, insists that government-backed thugs attacked him and his team on Friday, October 30, 2026.

The confusion began when Sowore’s verified social media accounts raised the alarm. “Thugs just attacked us inside a restaurant in Ado Ekiti,” his first post read. Shortly afterward, another post announced that armed men had kidnapped him. His handler then told reporters that his whereabouts were unknown, and the news spread across Nigeria within minutes.

Eyewitnesses told Sahara Reporters that armed men stormed Tawakalitu Restaurants and Catering Services in the city. Moreover, footage from the scene reportedly shows damaged tables and chairs. One vehicle outside also suffered damage, while another had a flat tyre. Panic reportedly forced diners to flee the premises.

The police issued a different account on Friday. Police spokesperson SP Abutu Sunday said officers responded quickly to a distress call about an altercation at a restaurant in the Dalimore area. Operatives then rescued Sowore, according to the statement. The command added that he sustained a minor injury and was receiving treatment at the Police Hospital in Ado-Ekiti.

“Mr Sowore was not kidnapped,” the police declared. Furthermore, the command promised that anyone found culpable would face justice. Sowore’s team, nevertheless, rejects the police framing of the incident.

The campaign team described the attackers as well-armed, government-sponsored thugs. In addition, Sowore’s media team accused the Department of State Services (DSS) of leaking his exact location to the attackers. Sowore said the assault came shortly after he finished an interview at MIDAS FM 90.5 in Ado-Ekiti. The DSS has not publicly responded to the allegation, and Sowore’s camp has offered no evidence to support it.

Ayoyinka Oni, the director of strategy, policy and political affairs for Sowore’s campaign, called the incident a murder attempt. He told FIJ that Sowore travelled to Ekiti to meet party members and leaders. Additionally, Sowore planned to join the Ekiti Ikogosi Marathon on Saturday. Meanwhile, the AAC demanded that the state governor, the Inspector-General of Police and the state police commissioner establish his location and guarantee his safety.

The attack came a day after Sowore’s defence lawyer told the Federal High Court in Abuja that he was in Ekiti for campaign engagements. It also followed a political event in Ado-Ekiti. Governor Biodun Oyebanji challenged APC members at that event to secure at least 80 per cent of registered voters’ support for President Bola Tinubu in the state. Sowore’s camp has not linked that event to the attack, and no source has established a connection.

The two accounts therefore conflict on several points. First, the police say Sowore never faced abduction, while his team says armed men took him away. Second, the police describe an altercation, while the campaign describes a planned attack. Third, the police report a minor injury, whereas some outlets claim hospital staff rushed him to treatment after serious harm. Sowore’s team has not yet released medical details.

Several questions remain unanswered. Who were the attackers, and how many were there? Did the police arrive before or after any alleged abduction? Where was Sowore between the first alarm and the police statement? The Ekiti State Government has also not issued a public statement on the incident.

Sowore is a human rights activist and the publisher of Sahara Reporters. He has also run for president before, and he remains one of the most vocal critics of the federal government. Therefore, the incident has drawn intense attention ahead of the 2027 presidential election. Sojworldnews will update this story as the police, the AAC or independent witnesses release verified information.