POLICE PROBE BORNO COMMISSIONER, OSUN SENATOR, FCT CHAIRMAN OVER ALLEGED INCITING REMARKS
The Nigeria Police Force has launched investigations into alleged inciting statements attributed to the Borno State Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Sainna Buba; Senator Francis Fadahunsi of Osun East; and the Chairman of Kuje Area Council in the Federal Capital Territory, Danjuma Shekwolo.
The police also disclosed that 154 people arrested during the August 15 Osun State governorship election remain under investigation.
Speaking at a joint security spokespersons’ briefing in Abuja on Tuesday, Force spokesperson Ani Iniedu said making statements capable of inciting members of the public, particularly in connection with elections, constitutes a criminal offence.
Iniedu said the police had already questioned Senator Fadahunsi over alleged threats directed at members of the Accord Party, stressing that the force would enforce the law regardless of the status of those involved.
He said investigations into the statements attributed to the three political actors were ongoing and that the findings would be made public.
The investigation follows controversial remarks reportedly made by the individuals during political activities. Buba was accused of threatening to flog residents who refused to support the All Progressives Congress in the 2027 election, while Shekwolo reportedly told residents of Kuje to either support the APC in 2027 or leave the area.
Fadahunsi, meanwhile, was seen in a video allegedly threatening members of the Accord Party.
154 SUSPECTS REMAIN UNDER INVESTIGATION
The police also provided an update on arrests made during the Osun governorship election.
According to Iniedu, approximately 154 suspects arrested as of the morning of the election were still being investigated.
He appealed to members of the public to cooperate with investigators by providing statements and evidence that could assist in prosecuting those suspected of committing offences.
The police spokesperson identified the reluctance of witnesses to come forward as one of the major challenges affecting criminal prosecutions in Nigeria.
He urged witnesses with relevant information to approach the authorities without fear, saying their cooperation was essential to helping prosecutors build strong cases.
POLICE DEFEND ACTION AGAINST LAGOS PENSIONERS
Meanwhile, the police defended the use of force against pensioners who were involved in protests in Lagos.
Iniedu said the police recognised the right of retired personnel to demand their entitlements but maintained that such protests must be conducted within the law.
He said Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu, had invited representatives of the pensioners to his office on two occasions and advised them on lawful ways to pursue their grievances.
According to the police, some previous demonstrations had involved the protesters entering the premises of the Presidential Villa in Abuja and blocking major roads in the Federal Capital Territory.
Iniedu maintained that the law permits the police to use proportionate force when necessary to control riotous gatherings.
He, however, appealed to the pensioners to continue their agitation peacefully, assuring them that the police leadership remained supportive of their legitimate demands.
