Human rights activist and African Action Congress (AAC) presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, has allegedly been abducted by armed men in Ado-Ekiti, the Ekiti State capital, following an attack on a restaurant where he was present on Friday, October 30, 2026.
The incident reportedly occurred at Tawakalitu Restaurants and Catering Services, where a group of armed men stormed the premises, vandalised property and forcibly took the activist away.
Eyewitnesses who spoke to SaharaReporters alleged that the attackers were political thugs linked to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). However, the allegation of political involvement has not been independently established.
According to the eyewitness accounts, the armed men invaded the restaurant, causing damage to furniture and vehicles before allegedly abducting Sowore.
Footage said to have been recorded after the incident showed several damaged tables and chairs, while parts of the restaurant appeared to have been vandalised.
A vehicle parked outside the establishment was also visibly damaged, while another vehicle had a flat tyre.
The circumstances surrounding the attack and the identities of those responsible remained unclear as of the time of the initial report.
The alleged abduction was subsequently announced through posts published on Sowore’s verified social media accounts.
“Armed thugs kidnap Sowore. His current location is unknown!” one of the posts read.
The announcement raised concerns about the activist’s safety, particularly as no information had been provided about his location or the identity of those allegedly holding him.
Sowore, a journalist, human rights campaigner and politician, has been a vocal critic of successive Nigerian administrations and has frequently participated in protests and campaigns demanding government accountability, democratic reforms and respect for fundamental rights.
His visit to Ekiti State was connected to political activities associated with his presidential campaign.
The development came barely 24 hours after his defence counsel informed the Federal High Court in Abuja that Sowore was in Ekiti State for campaign-related engagements.
During proceedings on Thursday, October 29, 2026, his lawyer explained his absence from court, where he is facing an ongoing cyberbullying case.
Following the explanation, the Federal High Court adjourned the proceedings until November 3, 2026.
The alleged abduction has now raised uncertainty about his ability to attend the next scheduled hearing, depending on developments concerning his whereabouts.
The reported attack also raises concerns about the safety of political actors and the protection of citizens participating in lawful political activities ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Although eyewitnesses accused individuals allegedly associated with the APC of involvement, no evidence establishing the party’s responsibility was provided in the initial account.
There was also no confirmed information identifying the armed men or establishing their motive.
As of the time of the report, Sowore’s whereabouts remained unknown, and there was no confirmed information about whether security agencies had located him or commenced a rescue operation.
Post Title: “Sowore’s Whereabouts Remain Unknown” — Armed Men Allegedly Abduct AAC Presidential Candidate In Ado-Ekiti, Damage Vehicles And Restaurant By Naijaonpoint.