Sowore, supporters protest at police headquarters, demand prosecution of alleged attackers in Ekiti

Protesters at the Tuesday’s protest over the alleged attack on the AAC presidential candidate

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

The protesters called for the arrest and prosecution of those who allegedly carried out, sponsored or coordinated the 30 October assault.

They also demanded accountability for any security operatives found to have participated in the violence or interfered with investigations into the incident.

During the demonstration, the protesters sang and chanted anti-government songs, insisting that the authorities must establish the circumstances surrounding the attack and bring everyone found culpable to justice.

In a video circulating online, male and female supporters of Mr Sowore, some wearing orange berets, were seen chanting, revolution-themed songs. They also sang, “Solidarity forever, solidarity forever, we shall always fight for our rights.”

At the police headquarters, officers formed a human barricade by linking their arms to block the entrance and prevent the protesters from gaining access to the premises.

The protesters demanded the removal of the Ekiti State Commissioner of Police, Falade Michael, accusing him of having a hand in the attack on Mr Sowore.

“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,” one of the protesters in orange beret said.

A senior police officer, who spoke with Mr Sowore, urged the protesters to remain calm, assuring them that the police are still working on the case and would diligently investigate the incident to identify those behind the attack. The protesters, however, submitted a petition to the police representative.

The protest comes amid growing disagreement between Mr Sowore and the Ekiti State Police Command over the incident, which occurred at Tawakalitu Restaurant in the Dalimore area of Ado-Ekiti.

Mr Sowore, the publisher of Sahara Reporters, has maintained that he and members of his team were attacked by armed men shortly after he attended an interview at MIDAS FM 90.5 in the state capital on Friday, 30 October.

He also accused security operatives of trailing and harassing his team before the assault, alleging that the attackers had support from individuals linked to the Ekiti State Government and operatives of the State Security Service (SSS).

The Ekiti State Police Command, however, initially described the incident as an “altercation” between Mr Sowore’s group and some individuals at the restaurant.

The command said its officers responded to a distress call, rescued those involved and took them to the Police Cottage Hospital in Ado-Ekiti for medical attention. It also said Mr Sowore sustained a minor injury and was subsequently discharged.

Its statement noted that the police commissioner, Mr Michael, ordered an investigation to establish what happened and identify those involved.

The command later announced the arrest of 11 suspects in connection with the incident, saying investigations were ongoing to determine their individual roles and identify other persons who might have been involved.

The activist has also accused security operatives of interfering with evidence that could help investigators establish what happened at the restaurant.

PREMIUM TIMES reported on Monday that Mr Sowore released a video showing individuals he identified as participants in the assault. He called for an independent investigation to establish their identities and roles.

He further alleged that CCTV recordings from Tawakalitu Restaurant were erased after police officers and SSS operatives took possession of the surveillance equipment.

According to Mr Sowore, the restaurant management confirmed that the equipment was returned without the recordings. These claims have not been independently established.

He also alleged that a mobile phone stolen from a member of his team during the incident had been traced to the Ekiti State Governor’s Lodge.

Mr Sowore has demanded that the police and SSS release relevant surveillance footage and investigate the alleged disappearance of the recordings.