Human rights lawyer and Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Femi Falana, has called on the Ekiti State Police Command to ensure the arrest and prosecution of those responsible for the attack on African Action Congress presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, in Ado-Ekiti, warning against what he described as the recurring use of political thuggery and violence in the state.
![](https://thenigerialawyer.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/2026-IDRI-Masterclass.png")
Falana, in a statement dated November 1, 2026, titled “Arrest and Prosecute the Thugs That Attacked Omoyele Sowore in Ado Ekiti,” said Sowore was violently attacked by a gang in broad daylight and maintained that those responsible were known and should be brought before a court without further delay.
His intervention comes after the Ekiti State Police Command announced the arrest of 11 suspects in connection with the attack on Sowore and other persons at Tawakalitu Restaurant in the Dalimore area of Ado-Ekiti.
Police said operatives of the Rapid Response Squad arrested the suspects at a hideout in the Atikankan area at about 10 p.m. on Friday, October 30, following a tip-off. The command said investigations were continuing to establish the individual roles of those arrested, determine their possible connection with the attack and identify other persons involved.
Falana said the Ekiti State Government had already dissociated itself from the attack and called for a thorough police investigation.
The state government, in a statement signed by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Olayinka Oyebode, denied allegations linking it to the incident and urged the police to identify those responsible and bring them to justice.
According to Falana, since those behind the attack were allegedly known, the police should move beyond investigation and ensure that anyone against whom sufficient evidence exists is arraigned before the appropriate court.
Sowore had alleged that he and members of his team were attacked by armed men while at a restaurant in Ado-Ekiti. He subsequently accused individuals connected to the state government of involvement, allegations the Ekiti State Government has denied.
The police initially described the incident as an altercation but later confirmed the arrest of 11 suspects over the attack and said all persons found culpable would be brought to justice. The command also confirmed that Sowore and other injured persons received medical treatment and had been discharged.
Falana also used the statement to draw attention to a separate criminal case arising from the death of Sunday Ogunsakin in Afao-Ekiti.
He called on the Ekiti State Ministry of Justice to take over the prosecution of former Chairman of the Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria in the state, Joseph Rotimi Olabiowonu, also known as “Metilo,” and Opeyemi Adedoyin, who had earlier been arrested in connection with the case.
Police had in September announced the arrest of Olabiowonu and Adedoyin following allegations that Ogunsakin was abducted and assaulted during a dispute over land in Afao-Ekiti.
According to the police account reported at the time, the suspects and others allegedly went to Ogunsakin’s residence on September 14, dragged him out, assaulted him and took him away in a vehicle. He subsequently died after sustaining injuries. The allegations remain subject to determination by the court.
Falana said the two suspects had been arraigned before a Magistrates’ Court in Ado-Ekiti and remanded pending legal advice from the State Attorney-General.
He urged the Ministry of Justice to take over the matter and, where the evidence supports the charges, prosecute the suspects before the High Court for alleged abduction, torture and murder.
Falana linked the two incidents to broader concerns about violence and thuggery in Ekiti, recalling previous politically related killings in the state.
He referred to the killings of Dr Ayo Daramola, Tunde Omojola and Engineer Kehinde Fasuba, saying suspects had been arrested and prosecuted in connection with some of the incidents but alleging that powerful political interests frustrated accountability.
“Since then, thuggery and unlawful killing have become a regular occurrence in the state,” Falana said.
He maintained that decisive prosecution of persons implicated in violent crimes, regardless of their political connections, was necessary to deter further attacks and reinforce the rule of law.
The police, meanwhile, said investigation into the Sowore attack remains ongoing and assured that all persons found culpable would be brought to justice.
[A MUST HAVE] Evidence Act Demystified With Recent And Contemporary Cases And Materials
Available now for NGN 40,000 at ASC Publications, 10, Boyle Street, Onikan, Lagos. Beside High Court, TBS. Email publications@ayindesanni.com or WhatsApp +2347056667384. Purchase Link: https://paystack.com/buy/evidence-act-complete-annotation
______________________________________________________________________ “Enhance Legal Practice With Authoritative Reports” — Alexander Payne Offers Comprehensive Law Reports, Spanning Over A Century Of Nigerian Jurisprudence
Interested buyers are encouraged to place their orders and enquiries via:
0704 444 4777, 0704 444 4999, 0818 199 9888
Website: www.alexandernigeria.com
