Inciting comments: Police commence probe of Borno commissioner, Abuja LG chair, Osun senator

4

The Nigeria Police Force has commenced investigations into alleged inciting comments by Sainna Buba, Borno commissioner for youth and sports development; Danjuma Shekwolo, chairman of Kuje area council in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT); and Francis Fadahunsi, senator representing Osun east.

Ani Iniedu, force spokesperson, spoke on Tuesday at a joint security spokespersons briefing in Abuja.

Iniedu said the alleged comments, particularly those relating to the electoral process, constitute a criminal offence.

He also addressed issues surrounding the conduct of the August 15 Osun governorship election and recent controversial statements by some political actors.

The police spokesperson said Fadahunsi had been questioned over his alleged threat against members of the Accord.

“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,” Iniedu said.

“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.”

Iniedu said investigations into the alleged statements by the three political actors were ongoing and that the outcome would be made public.

He urged political stakeholders to refrain from making comments capable of inciting members of the public.

Buba had warned critics against attacking the Borno state government.

The commissioner said those who continued to oppose the administration of Babagana Zulum, the state governor, would face consequences.

“Whoever raises their fingers against us, we will do the same to them. If you raise your fingers again, we will cut them off,” he said in a viral video.

“This is our administration, follow us and drink the honey. Whoever does not follow us will be flogged. Because of that empowerment items will come and will be distributed.”

Shekwolo had warned residents of Kuje Area Council to either vote for the All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2027 or leave the council.