Sowore and Supporters Protest at Police Headquarters, Demand Action on Attackers in Ekiti

Human rights activist and presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), Omoyele Sowore, led a protest at the Nigeria Police Force headquarters in Abuja on Tuesday. He was with his supporters, calling for a serious investigation into the recent attack on him and his team in Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State.

The protesters urged the police to arrest and prosecute those who supposedly attacked them on October 30. They also wanted accountability for any police officers who were involved in the violence or who interfered with the investigations.

During the protest, the crowd sang anti-government songs. They demanded that the authorities find out what happened during the attack and ensure that everyone responsible faces justice.

In a video shared online, Sowore’s supporters, some wearing orange berets, were seen chanting songs about revolution. They sang, “Solidarity forever, solidarity forever, we shall always fight for our rights.”

At the police headquarters, officers formed a human barrier, linking their arms to block the entrance and stop the protesters from entering the premises.

The protesters called for the removal of the Ekiti State Commissioner of Police, Falade Michael. They accused him of being involved in the attack on Sowore. One protester in an orange beret said, "That is why we are using this opportunity to tell the Inspector General of Police, Olatunji Disu, that CP Michael is a disgrace to the Nigeria police, he is a disgrace to this institution, therefore it should be removed."

A senior police officer spoke to Sowore, asking the protesters to stay calm. He assured them that the police are still working on the case and would investigate the attack thoroughly. The protesters then handed over a petition to the police representative.

This protest comes as there is a growing disagreement between Sowore and the Ekiti State Police Command over the incident. The attack happened at Tawakalitu Restaurant in the Dalimore area of Ado-Ekiti.

Disputed Accounts of the Attack

Sowore, who also runs Sahara Reporters, has claimed that armed men attacked him and his team after he finished an interview at MIDAS FM 90.5 on October 30. He accused security operatives of following and harassing his team before the attack. He alleged that the attackers had support from people connected to the Ekiti State Government and officers from the State Security Service (SSS).

However, the Ekiti State Police Command initially called the incident an "altercation" between Sowore’s group and some people at the restaurant. They said their officers responded to a distress call, rescued those involved, and took them to the Police Cottage Hospital in Ado-Ekiti for medical attention. They also stated that Sowore had a minor injury and was later discharged.

The police noted that Commissioner Michael ordered an investigation to find out what really happened and to identify those involved. Later, the police announced the arrest of 11 suspects related to the incident, saying investigations were still ongoing to determine their roles and find others who might be involved.

Fresh Allegations Over Evidence

Sowore has also accused security operatives of tampering with evidence that could help the investigation. PREMIUM TIMES reported that Sowore released a video showing people he claims were involved in the attack. He called for an independent probe to identify these individuals and their roles.

He also alleged that police officers and SSS operatives erased CCTV recordings from Tawakalitu Restaurant after taking the surveillance equipment. According to Sowore, the restaurant management confirmed that the equipment was returned without the recordings. These claims have not been verified.

Sowore further claimed that a mobile phone stolen from his team during the attack was traced to the Ekiti State Governor’s Lodge. He demanded that the police and SSS release the relevant surveillance footage and investigate the alleged disappearance of the recordings.