Police Probe APC Senator, Borno Commissioner, Kuje Chairman Over Alleged Inciting Comments

The Nigeria Police Force has commenced investigations into alleged inciting comments made by Senator Francis Fadahunsi, Borno State Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Sainna Buba, and Chairman of Kuje Area Council in the Federal Capital Territory, Danjuma Shekwolo.

The police said the investigations were part of efforts to prevent inflammatory statements and other conduct capable of undermining peace and security ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Force Public Relations Officer, Aniete Iniedu, disclosed this on Tuesday during a joint security spokespersons’ briefing in Abuja.

Iniedu said the alleged comments, particularly those relating to the electoral process, constituted a criminal offence under Nigerian law.

He disclosed that Fadahunsi had already been questioned over his alleged threat against members of the Accord Party in Osun State.

“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 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.”

The police spokesman said investigations into all the alleged statements were ongoing and that the outcomes would be made public.

He also advised political stakeholders to avoid comments capable of escalating tension during the election period.

The investigation followed controversial remarks attributed to Buba, who was accused of threatening to flog and cut off the hands of residents who refused to support the All Progressives Congress in the 2027 election.

Shekwolo had also attracted criticism after reportedly warning residents of Kuje Area Council to either support the APC in 2027 or leave the area.

Fadahunsi, meanwhile, was captured in a viral video allegedly threatening members of the Accord Party ahead of the recent Osun State governorship election.

Police seek public cooperation

The police appealed to members of the public to cooperate with investigators by providing statements and evidence that could assist in prosecuting suspected offenders.

Iniedu identified the reluctance of witnesses to come forward as one of the major challenges affecting criminal prosecutions.

“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,” he said.

He urged people with relevant information to approach the police without fear and assist investigators with evidence.

According to him, cooperation from witnesses would strengthen investigations and help prosecutors secure convictions where offences are established.

“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,” Iniedu said.