Omoyele Sowore was injured in an Ekiti restaurant altercation, police say, dismissing reports that the AAC candidate was kidnapped.
African Action Congress presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore has sustained an injury during an altercation with some individuals at a restaurant in Ado-Ekiti, the Ekiti State Police Command has confirmed.
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The police said on Friday that Sowore was rescued by officers after they received information about the incident and was subsequently taken to Police Hospital in Ado-Ekiti, where he is receiving medical attention.
The clarification followed a message circulated on social media alleging that the activist and former presidential candidate had been kidnapped by armed men, with his whereabouts unknown.
A post on Sowore’s X account had claimed that he and others were attacked by what it described as government-sponsored thugs in Ado-Ekiti.
The post also alleged that operatives of the Department of State Services provided the attackers with their exact location.
“We have been brutally attacked and injured by armed government-sponsored thugs in Ado Ekiti, Ekiti State,” the message stated, adding that the DSS had allegedly assisted the attackers.
However, Ekiti State Police Public Relations Officer, Sunday Abutu, rejected the kidnapping claim, saying preliminary information indicated that Sowore had been involved in an altercation with some individuals at a restaurant.
According to Abutu, police operatives were alerted and swiftly mobilised to the scene, where they rescued the AAC candidate.
He said Sowore sustained a minor injury and was taken to the police hospital for treatment.
“The command wishes to categorically clarify that Mr Omoyele Sowore was not kidnapped,” Abutu said, urging members of the public to disregard reports suggesting that his whereabouts were unknown.
The police spokesperson added that Commissioner of Police Michael Falade had ordered a discreet investigation to establish the circumstances surrounding the confrontation and identify those involved.
Falade also directed that anyone found culpable should be brought to justice, according to the police statement.
The command appealed for calm and warned against circulating unverified information capable of creating unnecessary panic and tension.
It also reiterated its commitment to protecting lives and property, regardless of political affiliation or social status.
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Although the police have confirmed Sowore’s injury and hospitalisation, the circumstances that led to the altercation, the identities of the individuals involved and the allegation of DSS involvement have yet to be independently established in the supplied report.
