Political Firestorm Erupts as Sowore Faces Brutal Attack in Ekiti, Calls for Justice Mount

Omoyele Sowore, the presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC) and a prominent human rights activist, along with members of his team, was subjected to a violent attack in Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State, on Friday, October 30, 2026. The assault occurred at a restaurant shortly after Sowore concluded a radio interview at MIDAS FM 90.5. The incident, which has drawn widespread condemnation from various groups and individuals, sparked allegations of political thuggery, state sponsorship, and complicity by security agencies.

Reports from eyewitnesses and affected individuals indicate that suspected political thugs, allegedly armed with guns, sticks, cudgels, bottles, and machetes, stormed the restaurant, assaulting Sowore and his entourage. The attack resulted in injuries to Sowore and several team members, some requiring medical attention. Vehicles were damaged, and personal belongings, including phones, wristwatches, and shoes, were reportedly stolen. Accounts from Sowore and other sources claimed that operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) had been tracking his movements and provided operational support to the attackers. Furthermore, it was alleged that the Ekiti State Police Command and DSS seized CCTV footage from the restaurant, raising concerns about evidence suppression.

Key figures allegedly involved in the attack were identified by eyewitnesses as Adenijo Sola, popularly known as “Solar,” and Omotuyi Temitope, also known as “Tope Jinadu Small.” Both individuals were alleged to have strong links to the Ekiti State Government and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). Solar was described as an appointee of Governor Biodun Oyebanji’s administration and a leader of the Supreme Eiye Confraternity, with a history of involvement in political violence and past murder charges from which he was acquitted. Tope Jinadu Small was also linked to the City Boy Movement and the Supreme Eiye Confraternity, accused of working for the Ekiti State Government, and known for his involvement in a 2012 jailbreak from Ado-Ekiti Correctional Centre and a murder case in the UAE before his repatriation and re-arrest.

The attack triggered a wave of accusations against the Ekiti State Government and Governor Biodun Oyebanji. The Ohanaeze Youth Council (OYC) directly accused Governor Oyebanji of responsibility, describing the incident as “executive rascality and gangsterism.” Adeola Soetan, a public affairs analyst, alleged that the attackers acted on behalf of the Ekiti State Government. An EndSARS activist, Moyinoluwa Olowoyo (Gigabytes), who was among those attacked, revealed that CSP Ayodele Akinlua, the Chief Security Officer to Governor Oyebanji, had called him hours before the incident, warning that Sowore’s safety could not be guaranteed if he held a political rally in the state. Olowoyo vehemently denied any plans for a rally, suggesting the attack was government-sponsored and meticulously planned.

The Ekiti State Police Command initially described the incident as an “altercation” with “minor injuries,” a characterisation vehemently rejected by Sowore and many other groups who insisted it was a coordinated assault and a possible assassination attempt. However, the police later announced the arrest of 11 suspects identified as Joseph Tayo, Olatunji Abayomi, Isaac Amba, Kehinde Ajigbana, Tosin David, Solomon Iyanu, Ogunsola Ayomide, Ojo Ayodeji, Kayode Dada, Segun Olatunji, and Salami Emmanuel. Recovered items included walkie-talkies, mobile phones, suspected Indian hemp, and charms. Despite these arrests, Sowore demanded the apprehension of the alleged masterminds, Solar and Tope Jinadu Small, and the release of the CCTV footage, arguing that the arrests were insufficient without prosecuting those who planned and financed the attack.

The incident drew strong condemnations and calls for action from numerous organizations and legal professionals. Aloy Ejimakor, Nnamdi Kanu’s international counsel, criticized the silence of the Presidency and major political parties, including the APC, PDP, ADC, and NDC, viewing it as complicity and a disturbing double standard in Nigeria’s democratic culture. Tope Temokun, a human rights lawyer, demanded that the Inspector-General of Police take over the investigation from the Ekiti State Command, citing concerns about its credibility due to conflicting accounts and alleged political connections. The Take It Back Movement, Workers and Youth Solidarity Network (WYSN), Centre for Change, Community Outreach for Development and Welfare Advocacy (CODWA), Socialist Labour (Oyo State Chapter), Advocates in Defence of Human Rights, Justice and Culture (ADHURIC), Rights Association of Minority Nigerian Bar and Advocates (RAMINBA), and Law Graduates Association of Nigeria (LAWGAN) all condemned the attack, describing it as an assault on democracy, fundamental rights, and political participation. They demanded independent, transparent investigations, prosecution of all culpable parties, including sponsors, preservation of evidence, and protection for victims and witnesses.

The Take-It-Back Movement Global escalated the matter by petitioning the governments of the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom, alongside international law enforcement and human rights institutions, given Sowore's status as a U.S. lawful permanent resident. They sought an examination of all available legal and diplomatic mechanisms for protection and accountability. The AAC itself accused Governor Oyebanji, the police, and the DSS of responsibility, demanding an independent investigation into their alleged roles and threatening mass action if authorities failed to act decisively.

Further controversy arose when the organizers of the Ikogosi Marathon Initiative excluded Sowore from the October 31 race, citing