Police probe Fadahunsi, two others over alleged incitng comments ahead of 2027

The Force also disclosed that 154 persons arrested in connection with the August 15 Osun State governorship election remain under investigation, as authorities intensify efforts to establish the circumstances surrounding alleged electoral offences recorded during the poll.

The developments were disclosed on Tuesday in Abuja by Ani Iniedu, Force spokesman, at a joint security spokespersons’ briefing on the conduct of the Osun governorship election and recent controversial statements by political actors.

Iniedu said the police would not treat statements capable of inciting members of the public, particularly those relating to elections, with levity, stressing that such conduct could constitute a criminal offence.

He said the police had already questioned Fadahunsi over an alleged threat against members of the Accord Party, adding that investigations into all three cases were ongoing.

“On the issue of the Senator in Osun State, the Council Chairman in FCT and the Borno Commissioner’s inciting comments, 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.

“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,” he said.

According to the police spokesman, the statements attributed to the three political actors had been subjected to investigation, with the Force expected to make the outcome public when the process is concluded.

“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,” Iniedu said.

The investigation followed controversial remarks attributed to the Borno commissioner, who was reportedly heard threatening to flog residents who refused to support the ruling All Progressives Congress in the 2027 general election.

Similarly, Shekwolo was reportedly alleged to have told residents of Kuje Area Council that they should support the APC in the 2027 election or leave the council.

Fadahunsi, on his part, was captured in a video allegedly threatening members of the Accord Party, prompting the police to invite and question him.

The Force’s decision to investigate the statements comes amid heightened political activity ahead of the 2027 general elections, with the police warning political actors and their supporters against comments that could provoke violence or undermine public order.

On the August 15 Osun governorship election, the police confirmed that 154 persons arrested in connection with the poll were still being investigated.

Iniedu said the arrests were made as part of security operations conducted before and during the election, adding that investigations would determine the specific offences allegedly committed by the suspects.

“However, 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 did not disclose the identities of the suspects or provide a breakdown of the alleged offences for which they were arrested.

The Force, however, appealed to members of the public who witnessed or possessed evidence relating to suspected criminal activities during the election to cooperate with investigators.

Iniedu identified the reluctance of witnesses to provide statements or appear in court as a major obstacle to successful criminal prosecution in the country.

“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, those who have evidence to incident, do not come forward when it is time to go to court,” he said.

He urged members of the public, particularly those with direct knowledge of alleged offences, to come forward without fear and provide information that could assist investigators and prosecutors.

“I would refer to you, enlightened members of the public, to come forward without fear and to give your representation so we could help our lawyers in the prosecution of these cases,” he added.

Meanwhile, the Force defended the use of force, including tear gas, to disperse protesting pensioners in Lagos, saying retired personnel have the right to demand their entitlements but must exercise that right within the limits of the law.

The police spokesman said the Force recognised the concerns of retired personnel, describing retirement after a career in public service as a legitimate and dignified stage of life.

He said serving police and other uniformed personnel also faced challenges and understood the concerns of their retired colleagues.

“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.

However, Iniedu maintained that the constitutional right to peaceful assembly and expression did not extend to conduct that could disrupt public order or obstruct critical public infrastructure.

“However, the Nigerian Constitution does not give the right to be disorderly in making your representation,” he said.

According to him, Inspector-General of Police Tunji Disu had on two occasions invited representatives of the pensioners to his office and advised them on lawful avenues for pursuing their demands.

“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,” he said.

He cited previous incidents in which pensioners allegedly 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.

The police spokesman argued that officers were legally empowered to use proportionate force where a gathering became riotous or posed a threat to public order.

“The law permits the Nigeria Police Force to use proportionate force in the quelling of any riotous gathering,” he stated.

He nevertheless appealed to the pensioners to continue to pursue their grievances peacefully, assuring them that the police leadership remained supportive of their legitimate demands.

“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.