By Divine Sam

The Ekiti State Police Command has dismissed reports that activist and African Action Congress (AAC) presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, was kidnapped by armed men in Ado-Ekiti, the state capital.

The clarification follows reports that Sowore was allegedly whisked away by armed individuals who stormed a popular restaurant in the city on Friday, October 30, 2026. Some eyewitnesses had reportedly identified the attackers as political thugs allegedly linked to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

However, the police have offered a different account of what transpired, insisting that the activist was not kidnapped but was involved in an altercation with some individuals at a restaurant in the Dalimore area of Ado-Ekiti.

In a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Sunday Abutu, the command explained that officers were immediately alerted after the incident and swiftly moved to the scene, where they successfully rescued Sowore.

The police confirmed that the activist sustained a minor injury during the encounter and was subsequently taken to the Police Hospital in Ado-Ekiti, where he is currently receiving medical attention.

The statement read: “The attention of the Ekiti State Police Command has been drawn to a message circulating on social media alleging that Mr. Omoyele Sowore, the African Action Congress, AAC, presidential candidate in the forthcoming presidential election, was kidnapped by armed thugs in Ado-Ekiti, with his whereabouts unknown.

“The command wishes to categorically clarify that Mr. Sowore was not kidnapped. Rather, preliminary information indicates that he had an altercation with some individuals at a restaurant around Dalimore area, Ado-Ekiti, following which the police were immediately alerted.

“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 Commissioner of Police, Ekiti State Command, CP Falade Adegoroye Michael, has ordered a discreet investigation into the incident to establish the full circumstances surrounding the altercation, identify all individuals involved and ensure that anyone found culpable is brought to justice.

“The command calls for calm and urges members of the public to disregard the misleading narrative of an alleged kidnapping and refrain from circulating unverified information capable of creating unnecessary panic and tension.

“The Ekiti State Police Command remains committed to the protection of lives and property, irrespective of political affiliation, status or background, and assures the public of its continued determination to maintain law and order across the state.”

Meanwhile, the police have assured the public that a discreet investigation is underway to unravel the circumstances surrounding the incident and identify those responsible.

The Commissioner of Police, CP Falade Adegoroye Michael, has directed that anyone found culpable must face the full weight of the law.