Eleven suspects arrested after Omoyele Sowore attack in Ekiti
By the AFREEQUE newsroom, based on Punch and Leadership
Nigerian police arrested eleven suspects after Omoyele Sowore, a presidential candidate for the African Action Congress, was attacked at Tawakalitu restaurant in Ado-Ekiti. The arrests took place on Friday evening in the Atikankan area, with walkie-talkies, phones, bank cards and substances suspected to be cannabis seized, according to Ekiti police cited by Punch and Leadership. The victims, including Sowore, later received treatment and left hospital, Leadership said.
The suspects were identified 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, and Salami Emmanuel, 53, according to Leadership. Police said the operation targeted their hideouts after what was deemed credible intelligence, and that the attack took place at Tawakalitu restaurant in the Dalimore area. The arrests were made at about 10pm on Friday 30 October 2026, according to police cited by Punch and Leadership.
Leadership said the seizures also included a packet of Rizla papers, substances suspected to be Indian cannabis and Colorado, identity cards, three business cards and a gas lighter. Ekiti police said the investigation sought to establish the suspects’ individual roles, their possible links to the attack and the identities of other people involved.
Police confirmed that Sowore and the other victims received treatment and later left hospital, according to Leadership. The outlet also reported that Sowore rejected the police version of a brawl, saying that he and members of his entourage had been attacked by armed men and threatened with death. The African Action Congress condemned the incident and called for a thorough investigation. Commissioner Falade Michael said those found guilty would be brought to justice, according to Punch and Leadership.
