EKITI POLICE ARREST 11 SUSPECTS OVER ATTACK ON SOWORE, RECOVER WALKIE-TALKIES, 13 PHONES, SUSPECTED CHARMS
The Ekiti State Police Command has arrested 11 suspects in connection with the reported attack on African Action Congress (AAC) presidential candidate and human rights activist, Omoyele Sowore, and members of his team at a restaurant in Ado-Ekiti.
The arrests were carried out by operatives of the Rapid Response Squad (RRS) at the suspects’ hideouts in the Atikankan area of Ado-Ekiti at approximately 10:00 p.m. on Friday, October 30, 2026, following what the police described as a credible tip-off.
The development was announced on Saturday, October 31, by the Police Public Relations Officer of the Ekiti State Command, SP Abutu Sunday, who said the suspects were apprehended over the incident at Tawakalitu Restaurant in the Dalimore area of the state capital.
The police identified the 11 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 statement, several items were recovered during the operation, including two walkie-talkies, 13 mobile phones, seven ATM cards, two vehicle keys and a flash drive.
Other recovered items included an MTN 5G Wi-Fi device, identity cards, eight international passports, three complimentary cards, two suspected criminal charms, a gas lighter and ₦250.
The police also said substances suspected to be Indian hemp and Colorado were recovered, alongside two cannabis crushers and a pack of Rizla rolling papers.
The command disclosed that all 11 suspects remained in police custody while investigations continued to establish their individual roles, determine their possible connections with the attack and identify other persons who might have been involved.
Commissioner of Police, Falade Adegoroye Michael, assured residents that the command would ensure that anyone found culpable was brought to justice.
The police also urged members of the public to remain calm and provide credible information that could assist investigators in establishing the full circumstances surrounding the incident.
The command further confirmed that Sowore and other victims had received medical attention, completed treatment and been discharged from the hospital.
The arrests followed a confrontation at Tawakalitu Restaurant on Friday, during which Sowore and members of his entourage reportedly sustained injuries after armed men attacked them.
Sowore had initially raised the alarm on social media, alleging that armed men attacked his team and that his whereabouts were unknown. The incident generated widespread reactions from lawyers, activists and political figures, who called for an investigation and adequate protection for the AAC presidential candidate.
The police had initially described the incident as an altercation involving Sowore and some individuals at the restaurant. However, Sowore rejected that description, insisting that he and his team were victims of a coordinated attack.
The arrest of the 11 suspects represents a significant development in the investigation, although the police have not yet established publicly the precise roles each suspect allegedly played.
Sowore has also questioned whether the arrests would lead to the identification of those who allegedly organised, financed or coordinated the attack. He accused the police of focusing on alleged participants while failing to address individuals he claimed were behind the incident.
The AAC presidential candidate specifically demanded the arrest of two individuals he identified as Adenijo Sola, popularly known as Solar, and Omotuyi Temitope, also known as Tope Jinadu Small. He alleged that they were involved in coordinating the attack and called for the preservation and release of CCTV footage from the restaurant.
Sowore further accused the police of attempting to shield the alleged masterminds, a claim that has not been independently established. The police have not publicly confirmed his allegations against the individuals he named.
The African Action Congress has also called for a transparent investigation, demanding that the authorities establish whether the attack involved political actors or individuals with connections to government officials.
The controversy has intensified discussions about political violence, the safety of opposition candidates and the responsibility of security agencies to investigate attacks without political interference.
The police investigation is expected to determine whether the 11 arrested suspects were directly involved in the confrontation, whether other individuals participated and whether there is evidence of a wider plan behind the incident.
It is important to note that the recovery of walkie-talkies, mobile phones, suspected criminal charms and other items does not by itself establish criminal responsibility. The allegations against the suspects must be tested through proper investigation and due legal process.
Street News Reporters will continue to monitor the investigation, including the identities and alleged roles of the arrested suspects, the police response to Sowore’s demands and whether other individuals accused of organising the attack will be questioned.
