Nigeria Police Force, NPF, has owned up to the arrest of one Mr.Suleiman Yakubu, known as Dan_Mallam68, in a viral TikTok video protesting against the hunger in the land.
The Police Force Public Relations Officer, Abuja, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, while briefing newsmen in Abuja, confirmed the arrest of the man.
According to him, Mr. Suleiman Yakubu, a 34-year-old resident of Jos North, was arrested on 28th July, 2024, by the Nigeria Police Force in Plateau State for allegedly inciting violence against the State’s critical infrastructures, law enforcement agencies, and private individuals in Plateau State, in connection with the planned nationwide protest.
According to Adejobi, the suspect was seen in a viral video, which originated from a TikTok account identified as “Dan_Mallam68,” and showing the suspect provocatively urging the public to attack petrol stations, security operatives, and destroy critical state and private infrastructures.
He explained that upon receiving the information, the Nigeria Police Force in Plateau State, with support from relevant stakeholders, traced the suspect’s location to Ahmadu Bello Way and arrested him.
“As you are all aware, a video recently went viral on TikTok, where an individual incited violence against state critical infrastructures, law enforcement agencies, and private individuals in Plateau State, in connection with the planned nationwide protest.
“The video, originating from a TikTok account identified as “Dan_Mallam68,” showed the suspect provocatively urging the public to attack petrol stations, security operatives, and destroy critical state and private infrastructures.
“Upon receiving this information, the Nigeria Police Force in Plateau State, with support from relevant stakeholders, traced the suspect’s location to Ahmadu Bello Way.” He said.
Adejobi disclosed that during interrogation, Mr. Yakubu allegedly confessed to being the individual in the viral video.
He further explained that the suspect said has not been able to explain his motivation for such statements with severe criminal implications adding that Yakubu is currently in police custody, under investigations.
“In the light of the planned nationwide protest, we have received credible intelligence indicating that certain individuals are planning to infiltrate the protest and cause chaos.
“It is crucial for the leaders and organizers of the protest to interface with the police, providing us with vital information such as contact details for ease of communication, locations, routes, and schedules.
“This collaboration will enable us to deploy our personnel effectively, ensuring the safety and security of all participants and the general public, ” he further explained.
The Police Spokesman added that it was imperative to emphasize that the Nigeria Police would not tolerate any attempts by mischief-makers to destabilize the country or incite violence.
“We remain committed to maintaining peace and order and urge everyone to exercise their right to protest responsibly and within the bounds of the law.” He said.
