Human rights activist and African Action Congress (AAC) presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore has alleged that threats preceded the violent incident involving him and his team in Ado-Ekiti.
Sowore said the confrontation was not an isolated incident, insisting that threats had emerged before the attack on Friday, October 30, 2026.
In a statement circulating online, he identified a man known as Kasali, whom he described as an All Progressives Congress (APC) operative.
Sowore alleged that Kasali had threatened him before the incident and celebrated openly after the violence occurred.
The allegations raise questions about whether the confrontation was spontaneous or preceded by intimidation. However, the specific claims concerning Kasali require independent verification.
What Happened to Sowore in Ado-Ekiti?
The incident occurred at Tawakalitu Restaurant in the Dalimore area of Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State.
Sowore had visited the state for political engagements and a scheduled appearance at the Ikogosi Marathon.
He had also participated in a radio interview at MIDAS FM 90.5 before the confrontation.
Sowore alleged that armed men attacked him and members of his entourage, leaving several people injured.
He further accused security operatives of providing information that helped the attackers locate his team.
The allegations against security personnel have not been independently established.
The Ekiti State Police Command confirmed the incident but initially described it as an altercation involving Sowore and other individuals.
Police denied reports that the activist had been kidnapped, saying officers intervened and ensured his safety.
Eleven Suspects Arrested
The police subsequently announced the arrest of 11 suspects in connection with the incident.
According to reports quoting the police, officers apprehended the suspects in the Atikankan area of Ado-Ekiti on Friday night.
Authorities also reported recovering several items during the operation.
The police said investigations would establish the suspects’ individual roles and determine whether other people were involved.
The arrests represent a significant development, but they do not establish the guilt of any individual.
Investigators will need to examine the evidence, establish the circumstances surrounding the confrontation, and determine whether the alleged threats were connected to the incident.
Kasali Allegedly Issued Threats to Sowore Before the Attack
Sowore’s latest allegation centres on Kasali, whom he identified as an APC operative.
According to Sowore, the alleged threats began before the violence erupted on October 30.
He argued that the incident should therefore be examined beyond the immediate confrontation at the restaurant.
Sowore also alleged that Kasali celebrated after the attack, raising further questions about the circumstances surrounding the incident.
However, the specific threats, the alleged celebration, and Kasali’s purported political affiliation require corroboration through original posts, recordings, eyewitness accounts, or other verifiable evidence.
No independently verified evidence reviewed for this report establishes that Kasali organised, participated in, or facilitated the attack.
Ikogosi Marathon Controversy Deepens
The controversy extended to the Ikogosi Marathon, scheduled for Saturday, October 31, 2026.
The Ikogosi Marathon Initiative announced that Sowore would not be permitted to participate in the 17.5-kilometre race.
The organisers cited security concerns and what they described as documented conduct involving Sowore and his associates.
They maintained that the decision was based on their participation standards and commitment to maintaining a safe sporting environment.
Sowore rejected the decision and accused the organisers of complicity in the violence against him and his team.
He called on World Athletics to sanction the organisers and demanded international sanctions against Ekiti State Governor Biodun Oyebanji.
These accusations remain allegations and have not been established by an independent investigation.
Ekiti Government Rejects Allegations
The Ekiti State Government rejected suggestions that it was responsible for the attack.
In a statement dated October 31, the government disassociated itself from the incident and called for a thorough police investigation.
It urged authorities to identify those responsible and ensure that anyone found culpable faces justice.
The government also reaffirmed its commitment to protecting residents and visitors, regardless of their political affiliations.
The competing accounts have intensified scrutiny of political security and freedom of expression in the state.
Calls for Transparent Investigation
The central questions now concern the circumstances surrounding the attack, the identity of those responsible, and whether any threats preceded the confrontation.
Investigators should examine any available recordings, messages, eyewitness accounts, and other evidence that could establish the sequence of events.
The specific allegations involving Kasali also require verification before conclusions can be drawn about his role.
Meanwhile, the police investigation must establish individual responsibility rather than relying on political affiliations or unverified social media claims.
The incident highlights the importance of protecting political actors, investigating threats seriously, and ensuring that sporting events remain safe for participants.
For now, the allegations surrounding Sowore’s claims of prior threats remain a matter requiring further evidence and official clarification.
