Human rights activist and African Action Congress (AAC) presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, has challenged Ekiti State Governor Biodun Oyebanji to explain an alleged security warning issued hours before he and members of his team were attacked in Ado-Ekiti.
Sowore is demanding answers about a reported phone call from the governor’s Chief Security Officer, the alleged involvement of government officials in the incident and the whereabouts of closed-circuit television (CCTV) footage that could help establish what happened.
The activist made the demands in a statement responding to the Ekiti State Government’s reaction to the incident, which occurred at Tawakalitu Restaurant in the Dalimore area of Ado-Ekiti on Friday, October 30.
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According to Sowore, more than 100 armed men attacked him and members of his team in broad daylight, leaving some of them injured and allegedly stealing their belongings.
Sowore Questions Alleged Warning Before Attack
Sowore alleged that the governor’s Chief Security Officer, CSP Ayodele Akinlua, contacted his associate, Moyinoluwa Olowoyo, popularly known as Gigabytes, at about 7:30 a.m. on the day of the incident.
He claimed that the security officer warned that his safety could not be guaranteed if he proceeded with his political activities in Ekiti State.
The activist questioned why such a warning was allegedly issued hours before the incident and whether Governor Oyebanji knew about the reported communication.
“Why was the Governor’s Chief Security Officer warning that my safety could not be guaranteed hours before armed thugs descended on us? Who authorised that call? What did the Governor know, and when did he know it?” Sowore asked.
He argued that the alleged warning raised serious questions about whether anyone had prior knowledge of the incident.
Sowore also criticised the state government’s response, accusing officials of focusing on his political activities rather than addressing the allegations and the injuries reportedly sustained by members of his team.
He particularly questioned the government’s description of him as an “inconsequential presidential candidate”, arguing that the reported security warning and alleged monitoring of his movements required an explanation.
The allegations have not been independently established.
Activist Demands Answers Over Alleged Government Links
Sowore also called on the Oyebanji administration to clarify its alleged relationship with Sola Adenijo, popularly known as Solar, whom he accused of leading the group responsible for the attack.
The activist alleged that Adenijo received benefits from the state government and challenged the administration to disclose whether the individual had received government payments, contracts, appointments, stipends or other financial benefits.
“We challenge Governor Oyebanji and his government to publicly disclose whether Sola Adenijo, aka Solar, receives payments, contracts, appointments, stipends, or any other financial benefits from the state government, directly or indirectly,” he said.
Sowore maintained that a general denial of involvement would not adequately address the specific questions he had raised.
However, his allegations concerning the suspected gang leader and the state government remain claims that require independent verification.
The Ekiti State Government had earlier denied involvement in the incident and called on the police to investigate, identify those responsible and ensure that they face justice.
Sowore Calls for Release of CCTV Footage
The activist also renewed his demand for the preservation and public release of CCTV recordings from Tawakalitu Restaurant and nearby premises.
He urged the relevant authorities to secure the original recordings covering the incident and the events leading up to it, insisting that the footage could help clarify the conflicting accounts of what happened.
Sowore further alleged that security operatives attempted to remove CCTV recordings after the incident.
He demanded to know who took possession of the footage, where it was being kept and why it had not been made public.
“Let Nigerians see what happened. Let the footage establish whether this was the so-called ‘altercation’ being promoted by the Police and the State Government or a coordinated attack by armed political thugs,” he said.
The allegation concerning the handling of the CCTV recordings has not been independently verified.
Police Arrest 11 Suspects Over Incident
Sowore’s demands followed the announcement by the Ekiti State Police Command that 11 suspects had been arrested in connection with the incident.
In a statement issued on Saturday, October 31, the police said operatives of the Rapid Response Squad arrested the suspects at their hideouts in the Atikankan area of Ado-Ekiti at about 10 p.m. on Friday, following what the command described as a credible tip-off.
The 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, items recovered during the operation included two walkie-talkies, 13 mobile phones, seven ATM cards, eight international passports, a flash drive, an MTN 5G Wi-Fi device and two vehicle keys.
Other items reportedly recovered included substances suspected to be Indian hemp and Colorado, two suspected criminal charms, identity cards, three complimentary cards, a gas lighter and ₦250.
The command said the suspects remained in custody while investigations continued to establish their individual roles, determine their possible connections to the incident and identify other persons who might have been involved.
The Commissioner of Police, Falade Adegoroye Michael, assured the public that anyone found culpable would be brought to justice, regardless of political affiliation.
Sowore Says Arrests Alone Are Not Enough
Reacting to the arrests, Sowore argued that apprehending the suspects would not be sufficient if those who allegedly planned, financed or coordinated the incident were not identified and prosecuted.
“Arresting 11 suspects is not enough if those who planned, financed, coordinated and facilitated the attack remain untouched,” he said.
He also questioned the police’s initial description of the incident as an altercation, demanding an explanation for the difference between the first account and the subsequent announcement of the arrests.
The police had earlier said Sowore was involved in an altercation with some individuals at the restaurant and that officers responded to the incident, rescued those affected and ensured they received medical attention.
Sowore rejected that account, insisting that he and his team were attacked.
The police have said investigations are ongoing, while the Ekiti State Government has denied responsibility for the incident.
As the investigation continues, questions surrounding the alleged security warning, the identities and possible connections of those involved, and the availability of CCTV footage remain central to Sowore’s demands for accountability.
