Police Launch Probe Into Borno Commissioner, Kuje Chairman, Senator Over Inciting Comments

The Nigeria Police Force has commenced investigations into controversial statements allegedly made by three political figures ahead of the 2027 general elections, warning that comments capable of provoking members of the public could constitute criminal offences.

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

The police also disclosed that 154 individuals arrested during the August 15 Osun State governorship election remain under investigation.

The Force Public Relations spokesman, Ani Iniedu, disclosed the development on Tuesday in Abuja during a joint briefing involving security agencies’ spokespersons.

Iniedu said the police would not overlook statements capable of threatening public peace, particularly those relating to the electoral process.

He disclosed that Senator Fadahunsi had already been questioned by investigators over alleged threats directed at members of the Accord Party.

The police spokesman stressed that making statements capable of inciting members of the public is an offence under Nigerian law and said the Force would continue to enforce the law regardless of the status of those involved.

Iniedu further stated that the comments attributed to Buba, Shekwolo and Fadahunsi were all being investigated and that the outcome of the investigations would be made public.

The Force subsequently cautioned politicians and other political actors to exercise restraint in their public statements as the country approaches the 2027 general elections.

Buba was reportedly captured in a video threatening to flog residents who refused to support the All Progressives Congress in the forthcoming election.

Shekwolo was also accused of telling residents of Kuje Area Council to either support the APC at the polls in 2027 or leave the council.

Fadahunsi, meanwhile, was seen in a widely circulated video allegedly threatening members of the Accord Party, although the senator has denied making the threats.

The police said the investigations would establish the circumstances surrounding the statements and determine whether any laws were violated.