‘We were not informed of his visit’ – Ekiti Police faults Sowore for lack of security notice

The Ekiti State Police Command has said the presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), Omoyele Sowore, failed to inform it of his arrival and movements in the state.

The police spokesperson, Abutu Sunday, disclosed this in a statement issued on Friday, explaining that prior notification would have enabled the command to make adequate security arrangements for the politician.

The command, however, confirmed that Sowore had been discharged from hospital following an alleged attack on him in Ado-Ekiti.

The incident reportedly occurred during his visit to the state, where he was said to have been meeting with supporters.

He said Sowore and other persons affected by the incident were treated and discharged from the Police Cottage Hospital in Ado-Ekiti.

Sunday said the incident occurred on Friday at a restaurant around the Dalimore area of Ado-Ekiti, where Sowore was involved in a fracas with some unidentified individuals.

He said police operatives were alerted and “swiftly mobilised” to the scene, rescued those affected and ensured they received medical attention.

According to the police spokesperson, Sowore was discharged from hospital at about 4:30pm and returned to Ikogosi Warm Springs Resort, where he had initially lodged.

“Meanwhile, efforts by the Police to obtain his formal statement and personal account of the incident proved unsuccessful, as he declined on several occasions to make a statement to assist the ongoing investigation,” the statement reads.

“The Command also wishes to clarify that Mr. Sowore did not formally notify the Police Command of his arrival in Ekiti State or communicate his movement within the State.

“Such notification would have enabled the Police to make adequate security arrangements and provide the necessary protection during his stay.”

Sunday said Falade Michael, the state commissioner of police, had ordered an investigation to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident and identify those involved.

The command had earlier dismissed reports alleging that Sowore was kidnapped by armed thugs in Ado-Ekiti and that his whereabouts were unknown.

BACK STORY

Sowore had accused the Department of State Services (DSS) of aiding “government-sponsored thugs” to attack him and his team in Ado-Ekiti.

In a post on X, Sowore shared photos of himself and one of his aides on hospital beds, alleging that the attackers came from the Ekiti Government House and had the backing of the DSS.

He alleged that DSS operatives had been trailing and harassing his team since their arrival in the state a day earlier.

The activist said the incident occurred shortly after he completed an interview on Midas FM 90.5 in the Ekiti state capital.

He also dismissed claims by the state commissioner of police that the incident was “mere altercations”.

As of the time of filing this report, the DSS had yet to issue an official response to the allegations.

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