Police have denied reports that activist and presidential candidate of the African Action Congress, Omoyele Sowore, had been abducted by armed men in Ado-Ekiti, the Ekiti State capital.
Earlier on Friday, it was reported that Sowore’s whereabouts was unknown following the alleged abduction.
Eyewitnesses stated that the incident occurred on Friday at a popular restaurant in the state capital, where the armed men reportedly stormed the premises and forcibly took Sowore away.
The eyewitnesses identified the attackers as political thugs allegedly linked to the ruling All Progressives Congress.
But the Ekiti State Police Command has debunked the alleged kidnap, describing the narration as unfounded and baseless.
State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Sunday Abutu, said Sowore had an altercation with some individuals at a restaurant around Dalimore area, Ado-Ekiti, following which the police were immediately alerted.
The statement read, “The attention of the Ekiti State Police Command has been drawn to a message circulating on social media alleging that Mr. Omoyele Sowore, the African Action Congress, AAC, presidential candidate in the forthcoming presidential election, was kidnapped by armed thugs in Ado-Ekiti, with his whereabouts unknown.
“The command wishes to categorically clarify that Mr. Sowore was not kidnapped. Rather, preliminary information indicates that he had an altercation with some individuals at a restaurant around Dalimore area, Ado-Ekiti, following which the police were immediately alerted.
“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 Commissioner of Police, Ekiti State Command, CP Falade Adegoroye Michael, has ordered a discreet investigation into the incident to establish the full circumstances surrounding the altercation, identify all individuals involved and ensure that anyone found culpable is brought to justice.
“The command calls for calm and urges members of the public to disregard the misleading narrative of an alleged kidnapping and refrain from circulating unverified information capable of creating unnecessary panic and tension.
“The Ekiti State Police Command remains committed to the protection of lives and property, irrespective of political affiliation, status or background, and assures the public of its continued determination to maintain law and order across the state.”
