Ekiti State Police Command has arrested 11 suspects in connection with the alleged attack on Omoyele Sowore, presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), and members of his team in Ado-Ekiti.
Gatekeepers News reports that the suspects were arrested by operatives of the Rapid Response Squad (RRS) at their hideout in the Atikankan area of the state capital at about 10pm on Friday, October 30, following a tip-off.
The police spokesperson, Abutu Sunday, disclosed this in a statement on Saturday, identifying the suspects 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 statement, items recovered from the suspects included two walkie-talkies, 13 mobile phones, seven ATM cards, eight international passports, two vehicle keys, a flash drive and an MTN 5G Wi-Fi device.
Other recovered items included substances suspected to be Indian hemp and Colorado, two Indian hemp crushers, a pack of Rizla, three complimentary cards, two suspected criminal charms, a gas lighter and N250.
“The suspects are in police custody, while investigations are ongoing to establish their individual roles, determine their possible connections with the attack and identify other persons involved,” the statement said.
The Commissioner of Police, Falade Adegoroye Michael, assured residents that the command would ensure that anyone found culpable was brought to justice.
The police also confirmed that Sowore and other victims had received medical attention, been treated and discharged from hospital.
The incident occurred at Tawakalitu Restaurant in the Dalimore area of Ado-Ekiti shortly after Sowore participated in a radio interview in the state capital.
The activist had accused the Department of State Services (DSS) and the Ekiti State Government of backing the alleged attack, claiming that armed men assaulted him and members of his team.
However, the police initially described the incident as an altercation, while Sowore rejected the account and insisted that he and his team were attacked.
Ekiti State Government subsequently denied involvement in the incident and called on the police to conduct a thorough investigation into the allegations.
