The Ekiti State Police Command’s version of events surrounding the assault on Omoyele Sowore, leader of the Take It Back Movement (TIB) and AAC presidential candidate, in Ado-Ekiti, has been disputed by the group.
In addition to identifying and prosecuting those individuals complicit in the attack, the organization urged the immediate dismissal of CP Falade Adegoroye Michael, the commissioner of police.
“You cannot beat, bleed and then gaslight the victims.” That was the heading of the statement that TIB’s National Coordinator, Sanyaolu Juwon, signed on Friday, 30th October 2026, making the demand.
The group’s national chairman, Sowore, as well as Pastor Samuel Ajeigbe and other members were brutally attacked in Ado-Ekiti. The group also condemned the police for their shameful efforts to downplay the tragedy.
Images and stories from the scene indicated severe injuries, yet the police stated there was an incident. TIB claims Sowore and his entourage were attacked instead.
The group stated that the police’s portrayal of the incident as a minor altercation and the injuries as minor was insulting to Nigerians’ intelligence and added to the agony experienced by the victims. “A press release cannot erase injuries,” the group said. Violence cannot be excused by official titles. The statement further stated that the power of the police should not be utilised to coerce victims into remaining silent.
TIB expressed grave worry at Sowore’s claim that CP Falade Adegoroye Michael had personally seen the scene of the crime and its aftermath, including the injuries, despite the command’s subsequent statement playing down the attack.
The document further stated that the CP, along with all individuals involved, must be subject to a comprehensive and impartial examination of claims of wrongdoing by security personnel.
The group went on to say that the Ekiti State Government under Governor Biodun Oyebanji has failed to create a safe space for political actors to practise their rights under the constitution, and that the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) should know that having political power does not give you right to own public places.
“Find those responsible. Make an arrest. Hurry up and bring charges against them. Announcing that it will not back down or be silenced, TIB pleaded for justice.