The Ekiti State Police Command has dismissed reports that African Action Congress (AAC) presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, was kidnapped in Ado-Ekiti, saying he was rescued by police operatives following a confrontation at a restaurant.
The Command disclosed that Sowore sustained minor injuries during the incident and was receiving medical treatment at the Police Hospital in Ado-Ekiti.
The Police Public Relations Officer, SP Abutu Sunday, gave the clarification in a statement issued in response to reports circulating on social media that armed men had abducted the activist and taken him to an unknown location.
According to the police, preliminary findings showed that Sowore was involved in an altercation with some individuals at a restaurant in the Dallimore area of Ado-Ekiti, prompting a distress call to the authorities.
The statement said police operatives immediately responded to the report and rescued him from the scene.
“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,” the Command stated.
The Commissioner of Police in the state, Michael Falade, has ordered a discreet investigation to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident, identify those involved and ensure that anyone found culpable faces the law.
The Command urged residents to remain calm and avoid spreading unverified information capable of causing public anxiety, while reaffirming its commitment to protecting lives and property regardless of political affiliation or social status.
Meanwhile, a separate account of the incident claimed that suspected political thugs invaded Tawakalitu Restaurant in the Dallimore area, where Sowore was, and forcibly took him away.
Sowore was in Ekiti State to participate in the annual Ikogosi 17.5-kilometre marathon scheduled for Saturday, October 31, 2026. He also took part in last year's edition.
The race is expected to start in Ilawe-Ekiti and finish at Ikogosi-Ekiti, both in Ekiti West Local Government Area of the state.
