Sowore: Protesters Storm Police Headquarters, Demand Arrest Of Ekiti Attackers

Protesters on Tuesday stormed the Force Headquarters in Abuja, demanding the immediate arrest and prosecution of those responsible for the alleged attack on human rights activist and African Action Congress (AAC) presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, and members of his team in Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State.

This is even as reporters and protesters are waiting for the inspector-general of police to address the crowd.

The demonstrators, comprising supporters of Sowore and members of the Take It Back Movement, called on the Inspector-General of Police to ensure that all those involved in the October 30 incident are brought to justice.

They also demanded an independent investigation into the attack, insisting that the police should not limit their investigation to those who allegedly carried out the assault but should identify and arrest individuals suspected of sponsoring, financing and coordinating it.

The protesters marched to the police headquarters, chanting solidarity songs and demanding justice for Sowore and members of his team who were reportedly assaulted at Tawakalitu Restaurant in the Dalimore area of Ado-Ekiti.

The demonstration followed growing controversy over the handling of the incident by the Ekiti State Police Command, which initially described it as an altercation between Sowore and some individuals at a restaurant.

Sowore, however, rejected the police account, insisting that he and his associates were victims of a coordinated attack by armed men.

The police had earlier announced the arrest of 11 suspects in connection with the incident. The suspects were reportedly arrested at their hideouts in the Atikankan area of Ado-Ekiti, with items including walkie-talkies, mobile phones, ATM cards and international passports recovered.

However, the AAC presidential candidate has maintained that the arrests are insufficient, demanding that the authorities go after those allegedly behind the operation.

Sowore has also called for the release of CCTV footage from the restaurant to establish what transpired during the incident.

He further alleged that a mobile phone stolen from one of his team members during the attack was subsequently traced to the Ekiti State Governor’s Lodge, an allegation that has not been independently established.

The AAC has also accused security agencies of failing to act on available evidence and demanded an independent investigation into the alleged involvement of individuals connected to the incident.

The protest at the Force Headquarters is the latest development in the controversy, as pressure mounts on the police leadership to demonstrate that the investigation will cover all aspects of the incident, including the alleged involvement of sponsors and accomplices.