Human rights activist and African Action Congress presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, on Tuesday led a protest to the Nigeria Police Force Headquarters in Abuja, calling for a comprehensive investigation into the attack on him and members of his team in Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State.
The protesters demanded the arrest and prosecution of everyone involved in the October 30 incident, including those who allegedly planned, sponsored or coordinated the assault.
They also called for disciplinary action against any security personnel found to have participated in the attack or obstructed efforts to investigate the incident.
Chanting solidarity songs and revolutionary slogans, the demonstrators insisted that the circumstances surrounding the incident must be established and all those responsible held accountable.
Some of the protesters, dressed in orange berets, sang, “Solidarity forever, solidarity forever, we shall always fight for our rights.”
At the police headquarters, security personnel formed a human barricade at the entrance, linking their arms to prevent the protesters from gaining access to the premises.
The demonstrators also called for the removal of the Ekiti State Commissioner of Police, Falade Michael, accusing him of complicity in the attack.
Addressing the gathering, one of the protesters said the police commissioner had failed in his responsibility and urged the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, to remove him from office.
A senior police officer who engaged Sowore during the protest appealed for calm, assuring the demonstrators that investigations into the incident were ongoing and that the police would work to identify those responsible.
The protesters subsequently submitted a petition to the police authorities, demanding justice and accountability.
The demonstration followed a disagreement between Sowore and the Ekiti State Police Command over the circumstances surrounding the incident at Tawakalitu Restaurant in the Dalimore area of Ado-Ekiti.
Disagreement over circumstances of attack
Sowore, who also publishes Sahara Reporters, alleged that he and members of his team were attacked by armed men on October 30, shortly after he attended an interview at MIDAS FM 90.5 in Ado-Ekiti.
He claimed that security operatives had trailed and harassed his team before the assault, alleging that the attackers enjoyed the backing of individuals connected to the Ekiti State Government and operatives of the Department of State Services.
The Ekiti State Police Command initially described the incident as an altercation between Sowore’s group and some individuals at the restaurant.
The command said its operatives responded to a distress call, rescued those involved and took them to the Police Cottage Hospital in Ado-Ekiti for medical attention.
It added that Sowore sustained a minor injury and was later discharged, while the Commissioner of Police ordered an investigation to establish the circumstances of the incident.
The command subsequently announced the arrest of 11 suspects in connection with the incident, stating that investigations were ongoing to establish their individual involvement and identify other persons linked to the attack.
Sowore raises concerns over CCTV footage
The activist has also accused security operatives of interfering with potential evidence that could assist investigations into the incident.
On Monday, he released a video showing individuals he identified as participants in the attack and called for an independent investigation to establish their identities and roles.
He further alleged that CCTV footage from the restaurant was erased after police officers and DSS operatives took possession of the surveillance equipment.
According to Sowore, the restaurant management confirmed that the equipment was returned without the recorded footage. The allegation has not been independently verified.
He also claimed that a mobile phone belonging to one of his team members, which was allegedly stolen during the attack, was traced to the Ekiti State Governor’s Lodge.
Sowore has since called on the police and the DSS to release relevant surveillance recordings and investigate the alleged disappearance of the CCTV footage.
