By Lateef Ibrahim, Abuja
The police high command has launched a critical investigation into alleged inciting comments made by the Borno State Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Sainna Buba.
The police also said the Chairman of Kuje Area Council in the Federal Capital Territory, Danjuma Shekwolo, and the Senator representing Osun East, Francis Fadahunsi, are currently under investigation for the same offence.
The police action followed controversial remarks attributed to Buba, who reportedly threatened to flog residents and cut off the hands of people who refused to support the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2027 general election.
In the same vein, Shekwolo warned residents of Kuje Area Council that they should either vote for the APC in 2027 or leave the council.
While answering questions from Defence Correspondents at a joint security spokesmen briefing in Abuja on Tuesday, the Force spokesman, Anietie Iniedu, described inciting comments, particularly those relating to the electoral process, as “a criminal offence.”
Iniedu, a Chief Superintendent of Police, while addressing issues surrounding the conduct of the August 15 Osun governorship election and recent controversial statements by political actors, said the authorities had questioned Fadahunsi over his alleged threat against members of the Accord Party.
His words, “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 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.”, he said.
The police further disclosed that all the alleged inciting statements made by the political actors were being investigated and that the outcome would be made public.
He said, “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,” he added.
The Force also appealed to members of the public to cooperate with investigators by providing statements and evidence required to prosecute suspected offenders.
Iniedu identified the reluctance of witnesses to come forward as one of the major challenges confronting criminal prosecution in the country.
According to him, “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 the incident, and do not come forward when it is time to go to court.”
He however urged members of the public to provide information and evidence without fear, saying their cooperation would assist the police and prosecutors in securing convictions.
In his words, “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 prosecution of these cases.”.
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