African Action Congress presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, has alleged that those who attacked him and his associates in Ado-Ekiti on Friday came from the Ekiti State Government House and received tracking and operational support from the Department of State Services.
He also accused DSS Director-General, Tosin Ajayi, of pressuring media organisations to suppress or downplay reports of the incident, alleging that police and DSS operatives had taken CCTV footage from the restaurant where the attack occurred.
The Ekiti State Police Command confirmed that Sowore sustained injuries and was receiving treatment at the Police Hospital in Ado-Ekiti.
It, however, described the incident as an altercation and denied earlier reports that he had been kidnapped.
In statements shared on social media, Sowore alleged that DSS operatives had trailed and harassed him and his associates since their arrival in the state on Thursday.
“Those who brutally attacked us in Ado-Ekiti today came from the Government House. They are well known, and they were provided with tracking and operational support by the DSS,” he alleged.
He further claimed that operatives had threatened the manager of a restaurant where his group ate, warning the manager not to allow them to use the premises again.
According to Sowore, the attack occurred shortly after he completed an interview at MIDAS FM 90.5 in Ado-Ekiti.
“Today, shortly after I completed an interview at MIDAS FM 90.5 in Ado-Ekiti, the thugs descended on us in a violent attack, allegedly with the assistance of the DSS,” he said.
Alleged media pressure and seizure of footage
In a subsequent statement, Sowore accused Ajayi of contacting media houses and deploying officers from the DSS social media department to influence coverage of the incident.
He alleged that the officers were pressuring news organisations either not to report the attack or to present accounts that understated its severity.
Sowore also claimed that DSS operatives in the state, including some attached to the Ekiti State Government House, accompanied the attackers after providing them with his group’s location.
He further alleged that the police and DSS had taken CCTV footage from the restaurant owner and were attempting to conceal evidence identifying the attackers.
“The attackers were captured on camera, and we’ve now learnt that the police and DSS are attempting to suppress this crucial evidence to shield those responsible,” he alleged.
The allegations of Government House involvement, DSS operational support, media interference and evidence suppression have not been independently verified.
The material available for this report contains no responses from Ajayi, the DSS, the Ekiti State Government or the police to these specific accusations.
Sowore disputes police account
Sowore rejected the police description of the incident, insisting that he and his associates were attacked rather than involved in an altercation.
“There was no altercation! We were attacked,” he said.
He said the Ekiti State Commissioner of Police, whom he identified as CP Falade Adegoroye Michael, had personally visited the scene and seen the injuries sustained by his group.
“The Commissioner saw the injuries, witnessed the aftermath of the violence, and was fully aware of the seriousness of what happened. Yet his Command has chosen to trivialize the attack, even describing the injuries as ‘minor,’” Sowore said.
He referred to a video he said showed the commissioner leaving the emergency room after observing their injuries. The video was not available for independent review in the material provided.
Police deny kidnapping, order investigation
Giving the command’s account, police spokesperson Sunday Abutu said officers responded after receiving information that Sowore was involved in an altercation with some individuals at a restaurant.
“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 said.
The statement followed earlier posts on Sowore’s X account alleging that armed thugs had kidnapped him and that his whereabouts were unknown.
Abutu said the Commissioner of Police, Michael Falade, had ordered an investigation to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident, identify those involved and ensure that anyone found culpable was brought to justice.
The command urged residents to remain calm and avoid circulating unverified information capable of causing panic or tension.
It also reiterated its commitment to protecting lives and property, regardless of political affiliation, status or background.
