By Divine Sam

Human rights lawyer, Femi Falana, SAN, has called on the Ekiti State Police Command to arrest and prosecute those responsible for the attack on the presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), Omoyele Sowore, in Ado-Ekiti last week.

Falana, in a statement, maintained that the individuals involved in the attack were known and should be brought before a Magistrate Court in Ado-Ekiti without further delay.

The senior lawyer expressed concern over what he described as the growing pattern of political violence and thuggery in Ekiti State, recalling the brutal killings of Dr Ayo Daramola, Tunde Omojola and Kehinde Fasuba several years ago.

According to him, the victims were murdered by a notorious killer squad allegedly operating in the state over political disagreements, while other prominent indigenes were also threatened by the gang.

Falana recalled that although suspects were arrested and charged with murder before the Ekiti State High Court, the case was allegedly compromised by influential political interests, a development he said contributed to the continued occurrence of thuggery and unlawful killings in the state.

He further cited another incident involving the former chairman of the Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria, Joseph Rotimi Olabiowonu, popularly known as Metilo, and Opeyemi Adedoyin.

Falana said that on September 14, 2026, the two men allegedly invaded the residence of Sunday Ogunsakin in Afao-Ekiti over a land dispute, abducted him and subjected him to physical assault.

He explained that the suspects allegedly pushed Ogunsakin out of a moving vehicle, leaving him with severe head injuries that eventually led to his death at the Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital (EKSUTH).

The lawyer disclosed that the suspects were subsequently arrested and investigated by the state police command under Commissioner of Police Michael Falade before being arraigned at a Magistrate Court in Ado-Ekiti.

He said the court ordered their remand in a correctional facility pending legal advice from the Attorney-General, despite alleged pressure from influential individuals.

Falana commended the Ekiti State Government for distancing itself from the attack on Sowore and demanding a thorough investigation into the incident.

However, he urged the state’s Ministry of Justice to take over the prosecution of Olabiowonu and Adedoyin, calling for their arraignment before the High Court on charges bordering on abduction, torture and murder.

He maintained that those responsible for political violence and other criminal acts must be held accountable to prevent further attacks and protect the lives of residents in the state.