EKITI, Nigeria — Human rights activist and presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), Omoyele Sowore, has reportedly been abducted by armed men in Ado-Ekiti, the Ekiti State capital.
The incident reportedly occurred on Friday at Tawakalitu Restaurants and Catering Services, where eyewitnesses said armed men stormed the premises and forcibly took the activist away.
Eyewitnesses told SaharaReporters that the attackers were political thugs allegedly linked to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Footage from the scene showed several damaged tables and chairs, while parts of the restaurant appeared to have been vandalised. A vehicle parked outside the establishment was also damaged, while another reportedly had a flat tyre.
The alleged abduction was subsequently announced in posts on Sowore’s verified Facebook and X accounts.
“Armed thugs kidnap Sowore. His current location is unknown!” one of the posts read.
Sowore, a prominent human rights activist, journalist and politician, is known for his criticism of successive Nigerian governments. He is the presidential candidate of the AAC in the 2027 general election.
His presence in Ekiti State was reportedly connected to activities surrounding his presidential campaign.
On Thursday, October 29, his defence counsel informed the Federal High Court in Abuja that the activist was in Ekiti for campaign-related activities.
The court subsequently adjourned his ongoing cyberbullying trial until November 3, 2026.
As of the time of filing this report, his whereabouts remained unknown, while the circumstances surrounding the alleged abduction were yet to be officially established.
