The Ekiti State Police Command has dismissed reports that African Action Congress (AAC) presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, was kidnapped by armed thugs in Ado-Ekiti, insisting that he was rescued by police operatives after an altercation at a restaurant.
The command said Sowore sustained a minor injury during the incident on Friday and is currently receiving treatment at the Police Hospital in Ado-Ekiti.
The police clarification followed a message circulated on Sowore’s X account alleging that armed thugs had kidnapped him and that his whereabouts were unknown.
The post also accused government-sponsored attackers of assaulting Sowore and members of his team, alleging that operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) had provided the attackers with their location.
“We have been brutally attacked and injured by armed government-sponsored thugs in Ado Ekiti, Ekiti State,” the post stated.
It further alleged that the DSS provided the attackers with their exact location, enabling the assault.
However, the Ekiti State Police Public Relations Officer, Sunday Abutu, said preliminary information indicated that Sowore had an altercation with some individuals at a restaurant, prompting an emergency response from the police.
In a statement issued in Ado-Ekiti on Friday, Abutu said police operatives swiftly mobilised to the scene and rescued the AAC presidential candidate.
“The command wishes to categorically clarify that Mr. Sowore was not kidnapped. Rather, preliminary information indicates that he had an altercation with some individuals at a restaurant in Ado Ekiti, following which the police were immediately alerted,” he said.
“Upon receiving the report, police operatives swiftly mobilised to the scene and successfully rescued him. He, however, sustained a minor injury and is currently receiving medical attention at the Police Hospital, Ado-Ekiti.”
Abutu added that the Commissioner of Police, Michael Falade, had ordered a discreet investigation to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident and identify those involved.
He said anyone found culpable would be brought to justice.
The police command urged the public to remain calm and disregard what it described as the misleading narrative of an alleged kidnapping.
It also warned against circulating unverified information capable of creating unnecessary panic and tension.
The command reaffirmed its commitment to protecting lives and property across Ekiti State, irrespective of political affiliation or social status.
