NPF Says Offenders Will Be Investigated and Prosecuted as 154 Osun Election Suspects Face Probe
The Nigeria Police Force has warned political stakeholders against making inciting remarks capable of triggering violence ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Anietie Iniedu, said inciting members of the public is a criminal offence and warned that anyone found violating the law would be investigated and prosecuted.
Speaking at a joint security agencies briefing in Abuja, Iniedu said the Police had already commenced investigations into alleged inciting comments made by a senator from Osun State, a Kuje Area Council chairman and a Borno State commissioner.
He said the Police would enforce the law regardless of the political interests involved, adding that the outcome of the ongoing investigations would be made public.
Police Defend Osun Election Prosecution
Iniedu also dismissed claims that the Police were unwilling to prosecute electoral offenders arrested during the Osun State off-cycle election.
He disclosed that about 154 suspects had been arrested as of the morning of the election and were currently being investigated.
However, he identified the reluctance of witnesses to appear in court as a major challenge to successful prosecution, stressing that sufficient evidence and witness testimony are required to establish criminal cases.
Police: Controlling FCT Cows Not Our Duty
On the issue of cows roaming major streets in the Federal Capital Territory, Iniedu said controlling the movement of animals was not the responsibility of the Nigeria Police Force.
He explained that the relevant ministry or environmental authorities were responsible for animal control, while the Police would intervene where a cow caused damage, committed an offence or trespassed on private property.
“The Nigeria Police Force is saddled with a lot of complaints and responsibilities, and going out to look for cows is not one of our responsibilities,” he said.