Inciting Remarks: Police Investigate Osun Senator Fadahunsi, Borno Commissioner, Kuje Chairman

The Nigeria Police Force has commenced investigations into alleged inciting and threatening statements reportedly made by three political figures ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Those being investigated are Senator Francis Fadahunsi, representing Osun East Senatorial District; Borno State Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Sainna Buba; and Chairman of Kuje Area Council in the Federal Capital Territory, Danjuma Shekwolo.

The Force Public Relations Officer, CSP AniIniedu, disclosed this on Tuesday during the joint security spokespersons briefing in Abuja.

According to him, the police had questioned Senator Fadahunsi over an alleged threat against members of the Accord Party during the August 15 Osun State governorship election.

The police spokesperson said a video purportedly containing the senator’s comments had surfaced online, prompting the police to commence an investigation.

CSP AniIniedu said he was part of the team that questioned the senator over the alleged statement.

“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,” he said.

He stressed that the police would not treat alleged inciting statements lightly, particularly when such comments relate to the electoral process.

“The law is very clear when it comes to incitement. It is criminal to incite members of the public, especially as you comment on the electoral process,” he added.

The Borno commissioner is also being investigated over an alleged threat to “flog residents who refused to support the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2027 general election.”

Similarly, the Kuje Area Council chairman was accused of allegedly warning residents to either support the APC in the 2027 elections or leave the council.

The police said investigations into the three cases were ongoing, stressing that the outcome would be made public.

CSP AniIniedu further warned politicians and other stakeholders against statements capable of triggering violence or disturbing public order ahead of the 2027 elections.

“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 declared.

Meanwhile, the police disclosed that 154 persons arrested during the August 15 Osun governorship election remain under investigation.

The Force also identified the reluctance of witnesses to testify in court as one of the major challenges confronting the prosecution of electoral offences.

The police therefore appealed to members of the public with relevant information to come forward and assist in the prosecution of suspects.

CSP AniIniedu also defended the use of proportionate force during the recent protest by retired police pensioners in Lagos, saying the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, had previously engaged the pensioners on lawful channels of engagement.

He urged the pensioners to continue their agitation peacefully while assuring that the police would continue to maintain public order.