Inciting Comments: Police Begin Probe Of Borno Commissioner, Kuje Chairman, Senator

The Nigeria Police Force has opened investigations into controversial comments made by some political figures ahead of the 2027 general election, warning that statements capable of inciting the public are criminal offences.

The police named Borno State Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Sainna Buba; Chairman of Kuje Area Council in the Federal Capital Territory, Danjuma Shekwolo; and Senator Francis Fadahunsi representing Osun East as those whose comments are being investigated.

The Force also disclosed that 154 people arrested during the August 15 Osun State governorship election are still undergoing investigation.

Naija News reports that the police spokesman, Ani Iniedu, made this known on Tuesday in Abuja during a joint security spokespersons’ briefing.

Iniedu said the police would not ignore statements capable of causing trouble, especially when they concern the electoral process.

He said the police had already questioned Senator Fadahunsi over alleged threats against members of the Accord Party.

“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 him, all the statements attributed to the three politicians are being investigated and the outcome will be made public.

“Every inciting statement listed here is under investigation presently, and the outcome will be released,” he added.

The police also warned political actors to be careful with their public comments, particularly as the country moves towards the 2027 elections.

Buba was reportedly captured threatening to flog residents who refused to support the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2027 election.

Shekwolo was also reported to have told residents of Kuje Area Council that they should vote for the APC in 2027 or leave the council.

Fadahunsi, on his part, was seen in a viral video threatening members of the Accord Party; a development he denied.

Speaking on the August 15 Osun governorship election, the police confirmed that 154 suspects arrested around the time of the election were still being investigated.

Iniedu said the arrests were made as of the morning of the election, adding that investigations were ongoing.

“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 Force urged members of the public who witnessed incidents or have useful evidence to come forward and assist investigators.

According to Iniedu, the reluctance of witnesses to appear when needed remains one of the major problems affecting criminal prosecution in Nigeria.

He explained that witnesses with useful information often refuse to come forward when cases reach court, making it difficult for prosecutors to prove their allegations.

The police spokesman therefore appealed to members of the public to provide information and evidence without fear.

Police Defend Tear-Gassing Of Lagos Pensioners

Meanwhile, the police have defended the use of force to disperse pensioners who protested in Lagos, saying retired workers have the right to demand their entitlements but must do so within the law.

Iniedu said every serving police officer looks forward to retirement and understands the importance of a peaceful and dignified life after years of service.

He said the police also recognize that retired personnel have challenges that require attention.

However, he maintained that the right to protest does not give anyone the freedom to disrupt public order.

“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 invited the pensioners to his office twice and advised them on lawful ways to present their grievances.

Iniedu also accused some of the protesters of previously crossing the line, including allegedly breaching the premises of the Presidential Villa in Abuja and blocking major roads in the Federal Capital Territory.

He said the law allows the police to use proportionate force when dealing with riotous gatherings.

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

The police spokesman, however, appealed to the pensioners to continue their protest peacefully, assuring them that the police leadership supports their 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,” he said.