The Nigeria Police Force says it is investigating a serving senator in Osun State, an Area Council Chairman in Abuja, and a Commissioner in Borno State over alleged inciting comments.
The Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Anietie Iniedu, disclosed this during a joint security news briefing by spokespersons of security, defence and law enforcement agencies in Abuja.
“I was part of the team that questioned the distinguished Senator in Osun State. The law is very clear when it comes to inciting comments. It is criminal to incite members of the public, especially as we commence the electoral process,” Iniedu said.
“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 inciteful statement listed here is under investigation presently, and the outcome will be released,” he said.
The senator was alleged to have called on his supporters to kill opposition party members found holding rallies in his area during the campaign for the Osun off-cycle governorship election.
The Abuja council chairman and the Borno commissioner were also alleged to have threatened members of opposition political parties in their respective areas.
The FPRO cautioned politicians and stakeholders to desist from making incendiary comments, saying such statements could cause crisis as campaigns for the 2027 general elections commence.
On prosecution of suspects arrested before and during the Osun governorship election, Iniedu blamed lack of witnesses.
“I want to confirm that during the elections, as of the morning of the elections, we had made arrests of about 154 persons,” he said.
“One of the challenges we have is that the law states that a case is made when there are two or three witnesses. Most of our witnesses and those who have evidence do not come forward when it is time to go to court,” he said.
Responding to a question on cows roaming the streets of the Federal Capital Territory, Iniedu said the police have no responsibility for animal control.
“The department responsible for the control of animals is the Ministry or Department of Environment. Where we come in is if the cow has committed an offence or is involved in destruction of property. If the matter is reported to the nearest police station, we will commence investigation immediately,” he said.