Human rights activist and African Action Congress (AAC) presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, has rejected the arraignment of 11 persons by the Ekiti State Police Command over the October 30 attack on him and members of his team, describing the court proceedings as a “ruse and cover-up” to protect the alleged masterminds.
Sowore, who was attacked alongside his team at Tawakalitu Restaurant in Ado-Ekiti on Friday, October 30, said none of the principal perpetrators he had publicly identified had been arrested or brought before a court.
In a statement on Wednesday, the activist accused the police of using the arraignment to divert attention from the alleged attempted assassination and shield those who planned, sponsored, coordinated and executed the attack.
“Yesterday, the Ekiti State Command of the Nigeria Police Force purportedly arraigned 11 persons it claimed participated in the brutal attack and attempted assassination of me and members of my team at Tawakalitu Restaurant in Ado-Ekiti on Friday, October 30, 2026,” he said.
“For the avoidance of doubt, none of the principal perpetrators we have publicly identified have been arrested, let alone brought before a court to answer for the attack.
“We consider this arraignment a calculated diversion from the serious crime of attempted murder and an apparent attempt to shield those who planned, sponsored, coordinated and executed the attack.”
Sowore disclosed that his team had identified 12 individuals and government officials whose actions, associations and possible involvement in the incident required urgent and independent criminal investigations.
He insisted that the police investigation should go beyond the 11 defendants arraigned in court and extend to those allegedly behind the attack.
The activist also renewed his demand for the removal of the Ekiti State Commissioner of Police, Falade, insisting that the police chief should not remain in charge of the investigation.
The 11 defendants were arraigned before a Chief Magistrate’s Court in Ado-Ekiti on charges bordering on conspiracy and assault occasioning harm.
The prosecutor, ASP Akinwale Oriyomi, told the court that the defendants and others still at large allegedly conspired to assault Sowore and cause him harm on October 30, 2026, at about 1:10pm within the Ado-Ekiti Magisterial District.
They were also accused of assaulting other members of Sowore’s team, damaging vehicle tyres and other property, and destroying kitchen utensils belonging to Tawakalitu Restaurant.
The defendants were identified as Joseph Tayo, 32; Olatunji Abayomi, 41; Gban Isaac Amba, 22; Kehinde Ajigbena, 18; Tosin David, 18; Solomon Iyanu, 18; Ogunsola Ayomide, 21; Ojo Ayodeji, 22; Kayode Dada, 32; Segun Olatunji, 28; and Salami Emmanuel, 53.
The prosecution said the alleged offences were punishable under Sections 421, 186, 363 and 181(1)(d) of the Criminal Law of Ekiti State, 2021.
The defendants pleaded for bail through their counsel, who assured the court that they would not jump bail.
The Chief Magistrate, Abayomi Adeosun, granted each defendant bail of N100,000 with one surety in like sum.
The case was adjourned until December 4, 2026, for hearing.
Sowore has maintained that the police must investigate the alleged masterminds and those who sponsored or facilitated the attack rather than limit the case to the 11 persons arraigned.