Protesters on Tuesday stormed the headquarters of the Nigeria Police Force in Abuja, demanding the arrest and prosecution of those allegedly responsible for the October 30 attack on human rights activist Omoyele Sowore and members of his team in Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State.
The demonstrators called for an independent investigation into the incident, insisting that everyone who allegedly sponsored, organised or participated in the attack must be brought to justice.
They also demanded accountability for any security operatives suspected of participating in the violence or obstructing investigations. During the demonstration, protesters sang and chanted anti-government songs while demanding justice for Sowore and his team.
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The protest followed growing controversy surrounding the police investigation. Sowore had accused the Ekiti State Government and security operatives of shielding those allegedly involved in the attack.
The police initially described the incident as an altercation between Sowore and some individuals at Tawakalitu Restaurant in Ado-Ekiti. However, the activist rejected that account, insisting that his team was subjected to a coordinated assault.
Sowore also alleged that a phone stolen from one of his team members during the attack was traced to the Ekiti State Governor’s Lodge. He consequently demanded the release of CCTV footage from the restaurant by the police and Department of State Services (DSS).
The Ekiti State Police Command had earlier announced the arrest of 11 suspects in connection with the incident. Items reportedly recovered included two walkie-talkies, 13 mobile phones, seven ATM cards, eight international passports and substances suspected to be Indian hemp and Colorado.
However, Sowore insisted that the investigation should extend beyond the alleged attackers to those who supposedly financed and coordinated the operation.
He specifically called for the arrest of Adenijo Olusola, popularly known as Solar, and Omotuyi Temitope, also known as Tope Jinadu Small, whom he accused of participating in the assault.
The activist further alleged that some individuals connected to the Ekiti State Government House were involved in coordinating the attack. He also accused President Bola Tinubu’s Senior Special Assistant on Student Engagement, Asefon Sunday Dayo, and Federal Housing Authority Managing Director Oyetunde Oladimeji Ojo of alleged involvement.
Sowore additionally accused security operatives of trailing and harassing his team before the assault.
The allegations against the named individuals have not been established by a court.
The October 30 incident reportedly occurred shortly after Sowore attended an interview at MIDAS FM 90.5 in Ado-Ekiti. He alleged that his attackers tracked his team’s movements before confronting them at Tawakalitu Restaurant in the Dalimore area of the state capital.
Despite the incident, Sowore vowed to continue his political activities, insisting that the attack would not stop his struggle.
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