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From Molly Kilete, Abuja
The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has launched investigations into alleged inciting comments by Kuje Area Council Chairman, Danjuma Shekwolo; Senator Francis Fadahunsi, representing Osun East; and Borno State Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Sainna Buba.
The police said statements capable of inciting members of the public, particularly in relation to the electoral process, could constitute criminal offences and warned political actors against inflammatory rhetoric as preparations for the 2027 elections gather momentum.
Force Public Relations Officer, Ani Iniedu, disclosed this on Tuesday at the joint security spokespersons briefing in Abuja.
Iniedu also said 154 persons arrested in connection with the August 15 Osun State governorship election were undergoing investigation.
Speaking on the alleged comments by the three political figures, the police spokesperson disclosed that Fadahunsi had already been questioned over remarks attributed to him concerning members of the Accord Party.
“I was part of the team that questioned the distinguished Senator in Osun State. 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.
Iniedu said the police would investigate the allegations regardless of the status or political affiliation of those involved.
“The Nigeria Police Force is responsible for maintaining law and order and we will not shy away from this responsibility, no matter whose ox is gored.
“Every inciting 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,” he said.
The investigations followed controversial remarks attributed to the three politicians.
Buba was reported to have threatened residents who failed to support the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2027 general election, while Shekwolo was alleged to have told residents of Kuje Area Council to either vote for the APC or leave the council.
Fadahunsi was also captured in a video allegedly threatening members of the Accord Party.
The allegations are now being investigated by the police.
On the Osun governorship election, Iniedu said 154 suspects arrested as of the morning of the poll remained under investigation.
“I want to confirm that through the elections, as of the morning of the elections, we had arrested about 154 persons and they are presently being investigated,” he said.
The police spokesperson identified the reluctance of witnesses to provide evidence and testify in court as one of the major challenges confronting criminal investigations and prosecution.
“One of the challenges I must tell you now that we have is that he who alleges must prove his allegations.
“The challenge we have in Nigeria right now is that most of our witnesses who have evidence of incidents do not come forward when it is time to go to court,” he said.
Iniedu urged members of the public with information on criminal activities to cooperate with investigators, saying evidence from witnesses was crucial to successful prosecution.
Meanwhile, the police have defended the use of tear gas against protesting retired police personnel in Lagos, saying the right to protest does not extend to disorderly conduct or disruption of public order.
Iniedu said the police recognised the right of retired personnel to demand their entitlements but insisted that such agitation must remain within the law.
“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.
He, however, added: “The Nigerian Constitution does not give the right to be disorderly in making your representation.”
According to him, Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu, had on two occasions met representatives of the pensioners and advised them on lawful channels for pursuing their grievances.
“I’m very aware that the Inspector-General of Police on two occasions called the pensioners to his office and guided them on relevant ways to take up their representation. We have had several breaches from them,” Iniedu said.
He alleged that some of the protesters had previously breached the premises of the Presidential Villa in Abuja and blocked major highways in the Federal Capital Territory.
“If you will remember, the protesters breached the premises of the Villa in Abuja. Another blocked several highways in the Federal Capital Territory,” he said.
Defending the police response in Lagos, Iniedu said officers were permitted to deploy proportionate force where a gathering became riotous.
“The law permits the Nigeria Police Force to use proportionate force in the quelling of any riotous gathering,” he said.
He nevertheless appealed to the pensioners to pursue their demands peacefully, assuring them that the police leadership was sympathetic to their grievances.
“I want to use this platform to call on the pensioners to run their representations in an orderly manner.
“I want to assure them that the Inspector-General of Police and the Nigeria Police Force is behind them in the carrying out of these complaints and representations,” Iniedu said.
