Get Guardian on Google• Activist accuses authorities of cover-up
Two weeks after armed men attacked human rights activist and African Action Congress (AAC) presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, and members of his team in Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State, the police have yet to announce the arrest of the principal suspects identified by the activist.
The attack occurred on October 30, 2026, at Tawakalitu Restaurant, Dalimore, shortly after Sowore and his team attended a radio interview at MIDAS 90.5 FM. Several people, including security personnel, were injured, while personal belongings were reportedly stolen.
Sowore described the incident as a coordinated assassination attempt, alleging that it was organised by individuals linked to the state government and other political interests.
Although the police announced the arrest and arraignment of 11 suspects, the activist maintained that those arrested were not the principal attackers captured in a video footage of the incident.
He has called for an investigation into the alleged roles of 12 people, including Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, whose government has denied involvement in the attack.
Others named by Sowore include CSP Ayodele Akinlua, the governor’s Chief Security Officer, whom he accused of making a warning call before the attack; Commissioner of Police Falade Adegoroye Michael, whom he accused of mishandling the case; and the Ekiti State Director of the Department of State Services (DSS), whom he accused of monitoring and intimidating members of his team.
He also named Oyetunde Oladimeji Ojo, Managing Director of the Federal Housing Authority; Makinde Araoye, whom he described as the proprietor of Ikogosi Marathon; and Sunday Adedayo Asefon, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Student Engagement, alleging that they were linked to the mobilisation and coordination of those involved.
Other names mentioned were Sola Adenijo, also known as Solar, whom Sowore identified as an alleged principal attacker and treasurer of the City Boy Movement; Ijarotimi Ayodeji Akintade Ifeoluwa, known as AK, whom he accused of wielding a machete during the attack; and Asiwaju Kasali Oluwafemi, also known as Kasali, whom he identified as the Ekiti State leader of the movement and accused of issuing threats.
He also accused retired CSP Marcus Olaosebikan Ogundola, a former commander of the Rapid Response Squad, of being present during the incident and handling CCTV footage, while alleging that Lere Olayinka, Senior Special Assistant to the FCT Minister, was involved in organising or enabling the attack.
The allegations against the individuals have not been independently established.
Sowore has also raised concerns over the handling of the CCTV footage from the restaurant, alleging that the equipment was removed and later returned with its recordings erased. He has demanded an independent forensic examination of the equipment.
He further alleged that some of the stolen phones were tracked to areas around the Government House in Ekiti State. The claim has not been independently verified.
Following the attack, Sowore’s legal team, led by Tope Temokun, petitioned the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), demanding an investigation and the prosecution of those found culpable.
The activist and his supporters also staged a protest at the Force Headquarters in Abuja. During the protest, an officer reportedly told them that investigators had been dispatched from Abuja to Ekiti and requested one week to carry out their work.
The IGP’s office later reportedly informed Sowore that the case had been transferred to the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCIID), Alagbon, Lagos. However, he expressed concern that the Ekiti State Police Command was still handling aspects of the investigation.
Sowore also criticised a police invitation that referred to the attack as an “incident,” arguing that the description downplayed the seriousness of the assault.
As of November 13, there had been no public update on whether the named individuals had been questioned, whether the DSS had begun an inquiry or whether the CCTV equipment had undergone forensic examination. The police had also not released the findings of the investigative team reportedly sent from Abuja.
While the Ekiti State government has denied involvement and the police have announced the arrest of 11 suspects, Sowore insists that the principal attackers have not been apprehended. He is demanding an independent investigation and the prosecution of anyone found culpable.
