The Ekiti State Police Command has confirmed that the presidential candidate of the African Action Congress, Omoyele Sowore, was injured during an altercation with some individuals at a restaurant in Ado Ekiti and is receiving medical treatment at a police hospital.
The command dismissed reports circulating on social media that Sowore had been kidnapped by armed men, explaining that police operatives rescued him after receiving an alert about the incident on Friday. The Police Public Relations Officer, Sunday Abutu, said the politician sustained a minor injury and was taken to the Police Hospital in Ado Ekiti for treatment.
Earlier, a message posted on Sowore’s X account alleged that he had been attacked and abducted by armed government-sponsored thugs, adding that his whereabouts were unknown. The post also accused the Department of State Services of providing the attackers with his location. “We have been brutally attacked and injured by armed government-sponsored thugs in Ado Ekiti, Ekiti State,” the message stated.
However, Abutu maintained that the police intervention led to Sowore’s rescue, adding that the Commissioner of Police, Michael Falade, had ordered an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident. “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 police urged members of the public to remain calm and disregard unverified reports of an alleged kidnapping, warning against the circulation of information capable of creating panic and tension. The command also reaffirmed its commitment to protecting lives and property irrespective of political affiliation, status or background.
