Sowore questions police account of Ekiti attack, alleges attempt to protect perpetrators

Omoyele Sowore, presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), has challenged the Ekiti State Police Command over its handling of the investigation into the attack on him and members of his team, describing the arrest of 11 suspects as an attempt to divert attention from the alleged masterminds.

The activist accused the police of shielding individuals he believes planned and coordinated the October 30 incident in Ado-Ekiti, insisting that those he identified as principal perpetrators had not been arrested or questioned.

Sowore made the allegations in a statement published on his Facebook page on Wednesday, where he listed 12 individuals, including Ekiti State Governor Biodun Oyebanji and the state Commissioner of Police, Falade Michael, whose roles he wants investigated.

He also called for Michael’s removal from office, accusing the police leadership of mishandling the investigation and failing to pursue those allegedly responsible for the attack.

The incident occurred at Tawakalitu Restaurant in the Dalimore area of Ado-Ekiti, where Sowore said armed men assaulted him and members of his entourage.

The police announced the arrest of 11 suspects following the incident.

Command’s spokesperson, Abutu Sunday, said operatives of the Rapid Response Squad apprehended the suspects at their hideouts in the Atikankan area of the state capital.

Arrests reportedly followed intelligence received by the police, with the suspects taken into custody as investigations continued to establish their individual involvement and identify other persons connected to the incident.

Sowore questioned the credibility of the arrests, arguing that bringing the 11 suspects before the court would not amount to justice if those who allegedly organised and financed the attack remained beyond the reach of investigators.

He requested that the Inspector-General of Police to constitute an independent investigative team to take over the matter.

The activist also demanded the recovery and examination of CCTV recordings from the restaurant, the retrieval of devices allegedly stolen during the attack and the preservation of electronic and communication records that could help establish what happened.

His statements on the occurrence have further intensified the dispute between him and the Ekiti police authorities over the circumstances surrounding the incident and the investigation into those responsible.