In a significant development, the police have arrested 11 suspects in connection with the recent attack on Omoyele Sowore, the presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), in Ado-Ekiti. The incident occurred on Friday, October 30, 2026, at a restaurant where Sowore claimed he was assaulted and subsequently kidnapped.

Following the attack, Sowore accused the Ekiti State Government of being complicit in the violence against him and his supporters. He described the incident as brutal and expressed his dissatisfaction with the police's response, which he claimed downplayed the severity of the attack. According to Sowore, he sustained injuries during the altercation, but the police reported that he only suffered a minor injury.

The Ekiti State Police Command, through its Public Relations Officer, Sunday Abutu, confirmed the arrests, stating that the suspects were apprehended in the Atikankan area of Ado-Ekiti based on credible intelligence received by the Rapid Response Squad. Items seized from the suspects included various illicit substances, multiple mobile phones, ATM cards, and international passports, indicating a potentially organized operation.

Abutu noted that investigations are ongoing to determine the suspects' roles in the attack and to identify any additional individuals involved. He emphasized the police's commitment to ensuring that justice is served, stating, "The Commissioner of Police, Micheal Falade, has assured the public that all those found culpable will be brought to justice."

In response to Sowore's allegations, the Ekiti State Government, through Chief Press Secretary Olayinka Oyebode, categorically denied any involvement in the attack. Oyebode described the accusations as absurd and reaffirmed the government's commitment to maintaining peace in the state. He called for a thorough investigation by the police to identify those responsible for the attack and reiterated the government's dedication to protecting the rights and safety of all residents and visitors, regardless of their political affiliations.

The Ekiti State Government has positioned itself as a strong proponent of democratic principles and tolerance, particularly following the peaceful conduct of recent elections. This incident, however, has raised concerns about political violence and the safety of opposition figures in the region, prompting calls for vigilance and accountability from both the public and law enforcement agencies.