Fidelia Soriwei, Abuja
The Nigeria Police Force has commenced investigations into alleged inciting remarks attributed to the Borno State Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Sainna Buba, Senator Francis Fadahunsi representing Osun East, and Kuje Area Council Chairman, Danjuma Shekwolo.
The police also disclosed that 154 persons arrested in connection with the August 15 Osun State governorship election remain under investigation as authorities continue to review alleged electoral offences.
Speaking at a joint security spokespersons briefing in Abuja on Tuesday, the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Anietie Okokon Iniedu, said inciting members of the public, particularly in connection with the electoral process, constitutes a criminal offence.
Iniedu said he was part of the team that questioned Fadahunsi over alleged threats against members of the Accord Party. “The law is very clear when it comes to inciting. It is criminal to incite members of the public, especially as you comment on the electoral process,” he said.
He added that the police would investigate all the allegations regardless of the status of the individuals involved. “The Nigerian Police Force is responsible for maintaining law and order, and we will not shy away from this responsibility, no matter whose ox is gored.”
The investigation follows controversial comments reportedly made by the political actors ahead of the 2027 general election. Buba was reportedly accused of threatening to flog residents who refused to support the All Progressives Congress, while Shekwolo reportedly told residents of Kuje Area Council to either vote for the APC in 2027 or leave the area. Fadahunsi was also captured in a video allegedly threatening members of the Accord Party.
“Every insightful statement listed here is under investigation presently, and the outcome will be released. We want to also use this opportunity to advise and caution all political stakeholders to desist from such comments,” Iniedu said.
On the Osun governorship election, the police spokesperson said 154 suspects had been arrested by the morning of the poll and were still being investigated. He appealed to members of the public with relevant information to cooperate with investigators and provide evidence that could support prosecution.
“One of the challenges I must tell you now that we have, the law states that a case is made when there are two or three witnesses. He who alleges must prove his allegations. The challenge we have in Nigeria right now is that most of our witnesses are those who have evidence to incident, do not come forward when it is time to go to court”, he said.
Iniedu also addressed the recent police use of tear gas against protesting pensioners in Lagos, saying retirees had the right to demand their entitlements but must do so without breaching public order.
“The unfortunate incident in Lagos where pensioners were being tear-gassed. Every uniformed personnel looks forward to the day when he retires. It’s a peaceful thing to be called a senior citizen after serving your country meritoriously. There is no aspect, whether serving or retiring. Officers in uniform have challenges as well as officers who have retired,” he said.
According to him, Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu, had twice invited the pensioners to his office and advised them on lawful channels for presenting their grievances. He said previous protests had involved breaches at the Presidential Villa in Abuja and the blocking of major highways.
“The law permits the Nigeria Police Force to use proportionate force in the quelling of any riotous gathering,” Iniedu said, while urging the pensioners to continue their protests peacefully. He assured them that the police leadership supported their lawful demands and representations.
