KEY POINTS
- Police dismiss Sowore’s alleged kidnapping in Ado-Ekiti.
- AAC presidential candidate sustains minor injury and receives treatment.
- Ekiti police commissioner orders investigation to identify those involved.
The Ekiti State Police Command has dismissed reports that Omoyele Sowore, the presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), was kidnapped by armed men in Ado-Ekiti, clarifying that he was involved in an altercation with some individuals at a restaurant.
The police said Sowore was rescued by operatives who responded to a distress report from the Dalimore area of the state capital.
The clarification was contained in a statement issued on Friday by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Abutu Sunday, following reports circulating on social media that the politician had been abducted by armed thugs.
According to the command, preliminary findings indicated that the incident involved an altercation rather than a kidnapping, contrary to claims that had triggered concerns over Sowore’s safety.
The police explained that officers were immediately deployed to the scene after receiving information about the incident.
Their intervention led to Sowore’s rescue, although he sustained a minor injury during the confrontation.
The command confirmed that the AAC presidential candidate was receiving medical attention at the Police Hospital in Ado-Ekiti.
“Upon receiving the report, police operatives swiftly mobilised to the scene and successfully rescued him. He, however, sustained a minor injury and is currently receiving medical attention at the Police Hospital, Ado-Ekiti,” the statement said.
The police did not provide further details about the circumstances surrounding the confrontation or the identities of the individuals involved.
Police Order Investigation Into Incident
The Commissioner of Police in Ekiti State, Falade Adegoroye Michael, has ordered a discreet investigation to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident.
The investigation is expected to determine what led to the confrontation, identify those involved and establish whether any criminal offences were committed.
The command assured the public that anyone found responsible would be prosecuted in accordance with the law.
It also urged residents and social media users to exercise restraint and avoid spreading unverified information that could cause unnecessary panic or heighten political tension.
The police reiterated their commitment to protecting lives and property across Ekiti State, regardless of individuals’ political affiliations or social standing.
The command maintained that its officers responded promptly to the report and intervened to ensure Sowore’s safety.
However, the circumstances surrounding the altercation remain unclear, with the police investigation expected to provide further details about the incident.
