Police Dismiss Sowore’s Kidnap Claims, Say AAC Presidential Candidate Was Rescued After Restaurant Clash

 

By Abidemi Omoyajowo

The Ekiti State Police Command has dismissed reports that the presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), Omoyele Sowore, was kidnapped in Ado-Ekiti, insisting that the activist was rescued by its operatives following an altercation with some individuals at a restaurant.

The Police Public Relations Officer, SP Abutu Sunday, in a statement issued on Friday, said preliminary information indicated that Sowore had an altercation with some persons at a restaurant around the Dalimore area of Ado-Ekiti, prompting a distress call to the Police. 

He said operatives swiftly mobilised to the scene and rescued him.

Contrary to claims by Sahara Reporter that Sowore was kidnapped, the Command confirmed that Sowore sustained a minor injury during the incident and was receiving medical attention at the Police Hospital in Ado-Ekiti. 

It added that the Commissioner of Police, CP Falade Adegoroye Michael, had ordered a discreet investigation to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident, identify those involved and bring anyone found culpable to justice.

The police clarification followed reports by SaharaReporters that armed men had stormed an eatery in Ado-Ekiti, where Sowore was reportedly kidnapped.

 

Eyewitnesses quoted in the report by Sahara Reporter alleged that the attackers were political thugs linked to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

The Command however urged members of the public to  disregard what it described as misleading reports; warning against the circulation of unverified information capable of creating panic and tension. 

It assured residents that the Police remained committed to protecting lives and property, irrespective of political affiliation, while pledging that anyone found responsible for the incident would face the law.