Sowore Accuses Ekiti Police Of Cover-Up Following Attack On Him And His Entourage

Developing Story

Nigeria Politics & Security | Location: Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State | Date: October 31, 2026

1. Summary of the Report

African Action Congress (AAC) presidential candidate and human rights activist, Omoyele Sowore, has accused the Ekiti State Police Command of attempting to cover up a violent attack on him and members of his entourage in Ado-Ekiti.

Sowore sustained injuries alongside some members of his team following an incident shortly after he participated in an interview at MIDAS FM 90.5 in the Ekiti State capital.

The activist alleged that the attack was coordinated by individuals connected to the Ekiti State Government House, with alleged operational assistance from Department of State Services (DSS) operatives.

He further claimed that DSS personnel had been monitoring and harassing his entourage since their arrival in the state on Thursday, October 29.

According to Sowore, security operatives allegedly threatened the manager of a restaurant where his team had previously eaten, warning him against allowing them to use the establishment again.

He believes information allegedly supplied by the DSS enabled the attackers to locate his team.

2. Sowore Rejects Police Account

Sowore has strongly criticized the Ekiti State Commissioner of Police, Falade Adegoroye Michael, for describing the incident as an altercation between him and some individuals at a restaurant in the Dalimore area of Ado-Ekiti.

Rejecting the police description, Sowore insisted that what happened was a deliberate attack rather than an ordinary disagreement.

He also questioned why the police described the injuries sustained by him and his associates as minor, despite the commissioner's alleged visit to the scene and his observation of the aftermath.

Sowore subsequently shared photographs showing himself and an associate receiving medical attention at a hospital.

3. What the Police Are Saying

The Ekiti State Police Command has confirmed that an incident involving Sowore occurred and that its operatives responded after receiving a distress call.

According to the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Sunday Abutu, preliminary information indicated that Sowore was involved in an altercation with some individuals at a restaurant.

The police maintained that:

Sowore was not kidnapped, contrary to earlier reports.
Police operatives responded to the distress call and rescued him.
He sustained what the command described as minor injuries.
He received medical attention at the Police Hospital in Ado-Ekiti.
The Commissioner of Police ordered a discreet investigation to establish what happened and identify those responsible.

The command also appealed to the public to disregard unverified reports capable of creating panic.

4. Allegations Against the DSS And Ekiti Government

One of the most serious aspects of the controversy is Sowore's allegation that individuals allegedly connected to the Ekiti Government House organized the attack with assistance from DSS operatives.

These are serious allegations involving state institutions and political security.

However, as of the publication of Leadership's report, neither the DSS nor the Ekiti State Government had issued an official response addressing the accusations.

It is therefore important to distinguish between Sowore's allegations and facts independently established through an investigation.

5. Political Implications And National Security Concerns

The incident raises important questions about political freedom, opposition activities and the protection of citizens in Nigeria.

With the 2027 general elections approaching, allegations of violence against opposition politicians deserve serious attention.

If established, the involvement of political actors or security personnel in attacks against opposition figures would represent a significant threat to democratic participation and the rule of law.

The police investigation must therefore be transparent, impartial and credible.

6. Factful24 Editorial Note

The controversy surrounding Sowore's alleged attack in Ekiti goes beyond a disagreement over how the incident should be described.

At its heart is a fundamental question: Can opposition politicians, activists and ordinary citizens freely exercise their democratic rights without fear of intimidation or violence?

The police have a responsibility not only to rescue victims but also to establish the truth, preserve evidence, identify perpetrators and ensure accountability.

An independent investigation should establish what happened, identify everyone involved and determine whether any security agency or political actor played a role.

The credibility of the investigation will be just as important as its outcome.

Editorial note: The allegations have not been independently established. Updates from the police investigation and responses from the DSS and Ekiti State Government should be incorporated as they become available.