If Sowore Can Be Attacked For His Activism, Who Is Safe In Nigeria? — Gbaboyor Blasts Ekiti Incident, Demands Justice, Security Protection

By Passman Akpos

Human rights activist and social commentator, Engr. Jude Gbaboyor, has condemned the reported violent attack on African Action Congress (AAC) presidential candidate and human rights activist, Omoyele Sowore, and members of his team in Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State, demanding an immediate investigation and adequate security protection for the activist.

Gbaboyor described the incident as disturbing and unacceptable, stressing that no Nigerian should be subjected to violence, intimidation or harassment for exercising constitutionally guaranteed rights or expressing political opinions.

He maintained that the right to freedom of expression, political participation and peaceful assembly must be protected irrespective of an individual’s political affiliation, ideology or criticism of those in government.

The activist described Sowore as a son of the Niger Delta, noting that the Sahara Reporters publisher has consistently used his voice to speak on issues affecting Nigerians, including governance, corruption, human rights and political accountability.

According to Gbaboyor, Sowore’s activism and political involvement should never become reasons for subjecting him or members of his team to physical attacks or intimidation.

He called on relevant security agencies to immediately investigate the incident, identify everyone involved and ensure that those found culpable are brought to justice.

Gbaboyor also demanded adequate security protection for Sowore and members of his entourage, insisting that security institutions must demonstrate their commitment to protecting citizens rather than allowing individuals exercising their democratic rights to become victims of violence.

He emphasised that the constitutional responsibility of security agencies includes protecting lives and property, maintaining public order and guaranteeing the safety of Nigerians regardless of their political beliefs or affiliations.

The human rights activist further warned that attacks against political activists, opposition figures and their supporters could undermine democratic participation, freedom of expression and respect for the rule of law.

He urged the authorities to take the incident seriously and ensure that Sowore and his team can carry out their lawful political and civic activities without fear of harassment, intimidation or physical attacks.

Gbaboyor maintained that democracy cannot thrive in an atmosphere where violence is employed to silence opposing voices, insisting that accountability must follow any proven act of political intimidation or violence.

TARAKIRIVOICE EARLIER REPORTED AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL, TAKE IT BACK MOVEMENT’S INTERVENTION

The condemnation by Gbaboyor comes amid growing reactions to the incident, which has attracted the attention of human rights organisations and political groups.

As earlier reported by Tarakirivoice, Amnesty International and the Take It Back Movement raised concerns over the reported attack and alleged abduction of Sowore in Ado-Ekiti on Friday, October 30, 2026.

Amnesty International called for an immediate investigation and urgent steps to establish Sowore’s whereabouts and guarantee the safety of everyone affected.

Similarly, the Take It Back Movement demanded answers from Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, and relevant security agencies, insisting that the authorities must account for Sowore’s safety.

Sowore’s media team had also accused the Department of State Services (DSS) of allegedly providing armed attackers with the activist’s location, thereby facilitating the reported attack.

However, the allegation of DSS involvement and claims that the attackers were government-sponsored have not been independently established.

SOWORE DISPUTES POLICE ACCOUNT, INSISTS THERE WAS NO ALTERCATION

Meanwhile, the circumstances surrounding the incident have generated controversy following conflicting accounts from Sowore and the Ekiti State Police Command.

While Sowore described the incident as a coordinated attack by armed men, the police maintained that the activist was involved in an altercation with some individuals at a restaurant in the Dalimore area of Ado-Ekiti.

In a statement, the Ekiti State Police Command said its operatives responded to a distress call and rescued Sowore from the scene.

The command also confirmed that the AAC presidential candidate sustained an injury and was receiving medical attention at the Police Hospital in Ado-Ekiti.

The police further disclosed that the Commissioner of Police, Falade Adegoroye Michael, had ordered a discreet investigation to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident, identify everyone involved and ensure that anyone found culpable would be brought to justice.

However, Sowore rejected the police description of the incident as an altercation, insisting that he and members of his team were attacked.

“There was no altercation! We were attacked!” Sowore declared in a response published on his X account.

He also questioned the police characterisation of the injuries sustained by members of his entourage as minor, insisting that the command’s account did not reflect the severity of what happened.

The conflicting accounts have intensified demands for a transparent investigation capable of establishing exactly what transpired at the restaurant.

QUESTIONS OVER SAFETY OF POLITICAL ACTIVISTS

The incident has once again drawn attention to concerns surrounding the safety of journalists, human rights activists, opposition politicians and citizens participating in Nigeria’s democratic process.

With the 2027 general elections approaching, the protection of political actors and their supporters remains an important issue for security institutions and electoral stakeholders.

Gbaboyor’s intervention adds to growing calls for accountability, particularly demands that the authorities ensure that political disagreements are not settled through violence or intimidation.

The police have announced an investigation, but the circumstances surrounding the confrontation, the identities of those involved and the allegations raised by Sowore and his team remain matters requiring clarification.

The DSS has also been accused by Sowore’s media team of allegedly leaking his location to the attackers, an allegation that requires an official response and independent investigation.

For Gbaboyor, the central issue remains the protection of fundamental human rights and the obligation of government institutions to guarantee the safety of every Nigerian.

THE QUESTIONS THAT DEMAND ANSWERS

Several questions remain unanswered:

1. Who were the individuals involved in the confrontation with Sowore and his entourage?
2. What exactly happened at the restaurant in the Dalimore area of Ado-Ekiti?
3. Will the police conduct a transparent investigation and make its findings public?
4. What is the response of the DSS to allegations that its operatives allegedly disclosed Sowore’s location?
5. Will everyone found responsible for the violence, regardless of political affiliation or position, face prosecution?
6. What measures are being put in place to guarantee the safety of Sowore and other political activists?

These questions require credible answers from the relevant authorities.

As reactions continue to trail the incident, Gbaboyor’s position is that political activism, criticism of government and participation in electoral politics must never expose any Nigerian to violence.

Ultimately, the responsibility rests on the relevant authorities to establish the facts, protect those affected and ensure accountability.

Tarakirivoice Newspaper Enterprise
Without Fear Nor Favour.