The Ekiti State Police Command has arrested 11 individuals in connection with the reported attack on African Action Congress (AAC) presidential aspirant, Omoyele Sowore, and members of his team in Ado-Ekiti.
The arrests were announced in a police statement dated October 31, 2026, following an operation conducted by operatives of the Rapid Response Squad (RRS) at Atikankan, an area of Ado-Ekiti.
According to the police, the suspects were apprehended at approximately 10:00 p.m. on Friday, October 30, following information received by security operatives about their alleged hideouts.
The Command said investigations were continuing to establish the individual roles of the arrested persons, determine whether they were connected to the incident and identify other individuals who may have been involved.
Police Release Names of 11 Arrested Suspects
In the statement signed by the Police Public Relations Officer of the Ekiti State Command, SP Abutu Sunday, ANIPR, the police identified the 11 arrested individuals as:
- Joseph Tayo, 32
- Olatunji Abayomi, 41
- Isaac Amba, 22
- Kehinde Ajigbana, 18
- Tosin David, 18
- Solomon Iyanu, 18
- Ogunsola Ayomide, 21
- Ojo Ayodeji, 22
- Kayode Dada, 32
- Segun Olatunji, 28
- Salami Emmanuel, 53
The suspects were reportedly arrested in the Atikankan area of Ado-Ekiti by the Rapid Response Squad during the late-night operation.
The police have not yet disclosed the specific roles each individual is suspected of playing in the incident.
Items Recovered During Police Operation
The police also provided details of items allegedly recovered from the suspects during their arrest.
According to the statement, the recovered items include two walkie-talkies, 13 mobile phones, seven ATM cards, two vehicle keys and one 5G MTN Wi-Fi device.
Other items listed include a flash drive, eight international passports, three complimentary cards, identity cards, two suspected criminal charms, a gas lighter and ₦250.
The Command also reported recovering substances suspected to be Indian hemp and Colorado, two crushers believed to be used for Indian hemp and one pack of Rizla.
The police said the items had been recovered as part of the ongoing investigation.
Sowore Questions Police Over Alleged Attack
Following the announcement of the arrests, Sowore raised concerns about whether the investigation would extend beyond the individuals already taken into custody.
In his reaction, the AAC presidential aspirant described the development as significant but maintained that the authorities needed to identify those who allegedly planned, financed and coordinated the attack.
Sowore alleged that the incident was an assassination attempt involving politically connected individuals and government-sponsored thugs. However, these allegations have not been established by the police statement.
He specifically mentioned Sola Adenijo, popularly known as Solar, and CSP Ayodele Akinlua, identified in his statement as the Chief Security Officer to the Ekiti State Governor, among those whose alleged involvement he wants investigated.
He also called for an investigation into individuals he claimed were associated with the City Boys group.
These remain allegations made by Sowore, and the available police statement does not confirm the involvement of the named individuals or any government official.
Demand for CCTV Footage and Independent Investigation
Another major issue raised by Sowore concerns the availability of CCTV recordings from the location where the incident reportedly occurred.
He called on the Ekiti State Commissioner of Police, CP Falade Adegoroye Michael, and the Department of State Services (DSS) to preserve and release relevant footage that could help identify those involved.
According to his statement, the recordings could assist investigators in determining the identities of the alleged attackers and establishing whether other individuals directed or supported the operation.
Sowore also questioned the initial police description of the incident as an altercation, arguing that the subsequent announcement of 11 arrests raised questions about how the incident was initially characterised.
He insisted that the investigation should not end with the arrest of the individuals already in custody but should also examine any evidence pointing to possible organisers or sponsors.
Police Assure Public That Investigation Is Ongoing
In its statement, the Ekiti State Police Command said the 11 suspects remained in custody while investigations continued.
Commissioner of Police Falade Adegoroye Michael assured residents that the Command would pursue the matter and ensure that anyone found responsible was brought before the law.
The police also appealed to members of the public to remain calm and provide credible information that could assist investigators.
The Command further clarified that all victims of the incident, including Sowore, had received medical attention, completed treatment and been discharged from the hospital.
