The Ekiti State Police Command on Friday confirmed that the presidential candidate of the African Action Congress, Omoyele Sowore, sustained injuries during an altercation with some individuals at a restaurant in the state.

The command said the candidate is currently receiving treatment in a hospital in the state.

A message earlier posted on X indicated that Sowore was kidnapped by armed thugs in Ado Ekiti, with his whereabouts unknown.

Sowore, pictured with bandages on his hand and leg. Photo: Omoyele Sowore on X

But the state Police Public Relations Officer, Sunday Abutu, said that the AAC presidential candidate was not kidnapped but is currently at Police Hospital, Ado Ekiti, where he is receiving treatment.

The message on Sowore’s X handle stated, “Armed thugs kidnapped Sowore. His current location is unknown.

“We have been brutally attacked and injured by armed government-sponsored thugs in Ado Ekiti, Ekiti State.

“The @officialDSSNG provided the attackers with our exact location, enabling them to carry out this vicious assault. We won’t back down. We have a country to liberate.”

But the police spokesperson, Abutu, said law enforcement agents on Friday received an alert that Sowore was having issues with some individuals at a restaurant in Ado Ekiti and moved in to rescue him.

Abutu said in a statement in Ado Ekiti on Friday that upon rescue, the AAC presidential candidate was taken to Police Hospital, where he is currently receiving treatment for a minor injury he sustained.

The PPRO stated, “The Commissioner of Police, Michael Falade, 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.”

Abutu added, “The attention of the Ekiti State Police Command has been drawn to a message circulating on social media alleging that Mr. Omoyele Sowore 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 in 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 command called for calm and urged 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.”