The Ekiti State Police Command has arrested 11 persons suspected of involvement in the attack on African Action Congress (AAC) presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, and members of his entourage at a restaurant in Ado-Ekiti.
The arrests were carried out by operatives of the Rapid Response Squad (RRS) following intelligence reports that led them to the suspects’ hideouts in the Atikankan area of the state capital at about 10pm on Friday, October 30, 2026.
The development was announced in a statement released on Saturday by the Police Public Relations Officer, Abutu Sunday, who confirmed that the suspects were apprehended in connection with the incident at Tawakalitu Restaurant in the Dalimore area of Ado-Ekiti.
The arrested 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 the police, several items were recovered during the operation, including two walkie-talkies, 13 mobile phones, substances suspected to be Indian hemp and Colorado, two cannabis crushers and a pack of Rizla.
Other recovered items included seven ATM cards, two vehicle keys, a flash drive, an MTN 5G Wi-Fi device, identity cards, eight international passports, three complimentary cards, two suspected criminal charms, a gas lighter and ₦250.
The command disclosed that the suspects remained in custody as investigations continued to establish their individual involvement, determine possible links to the attack and identify other persons who may have participated in the incident.
The Commissioner of Police, Falade Michael, assured residents that the command would ensure accountability, stressing that anyone found responsible would face the full weight of the law.
He reiterated the command’s commitment to protecting lives and property and maintaining peace across Ekiti State, regardless of political differences.
The police also confirmed that Sowore and the other victims had received medical attention and were subsequently discharged from the hospital.
The arrests come amid controversy over the police account of the incident, which initially described the confrontation as an altercation between Sowore and some individuals at the restaurant.
Sowore had strongly disputed that description, insisting that he and members of his entourage were victims of a coordinated attack by armed men.
The activist also accused the police of attempting to minimise the seriousness of the incident, alleging that the attackers assaulted him and threatened his life.
He further raised concerns about the safety of members of his team, maintaining that the incident was a targeted attack rather than an ordinary disagreement.
The latest arrests are expected to form part of the ongoing investigation into the circumstances surrounding the violence, including the identities of those involved and whether other individuals or groups played a role.