Ekiti State Police Command operatives has said it rescued Sahara Reporters publisher and African Action Congress presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore from suspected thugs in Ado-Ekiti on Friday. 

The command’s spokesperson, Abutu Sunday, disclosed this to Peoples Gazette upon enquiry about reports of Mr Sowore’s alleged kidnap at Tawakalitu Restaurants and Catering Services by armed men.

According to the report, the armed thugs, allegedly supporters of the ruling All Progressives Congress, stormed the restaurant and forcibly whisked the human rights activist away.

The reports also said his whereabouts were unknown.

However, Mr Sunday denied that the politician was kidnapped. He said Mr Sowore got into an altercation with some people in the restaurant before officers arrived at the scene to rescue him.

The police spokesperson added that the politician also sustained minor injuries.

“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 around the Dalimore area, 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.”

He said the commissioner of police, Michael Falade, has ordered an investigation into the incident to establish the full circumstances surrounding the altercation.

The command called for calm and urged members of the public to disregard the misleading narrative of an alleged kidnapping.