Publish by Osasere Edomwonyi Ikpoba
The Nigeria Police Force has opened a formal investigation into alleged inciting remarks made by three prominent political figures, including a serving senator, a state commissioner, and a local council chairman, in a move that signals a tough stance against hate speech and electoral violence ahead of the 2027 general elections. The Force Public Relations Officer, Chief Superintendent of Police Anietie Iniedu, confirmed the development on Tuesday during a joint security briefing with Defence Correspondents in Abuja, declaring that the police would not shy away from its responsibility to maintain law and order "no matter whose ox is gored".
The three individuals under investigation are Sainna Buba, the Borno State Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development; Senator Francis Fadahunsi, representing Osun East Senatorial District; and Danjuma Shekwolo, the Chairman of Kuje Area Council in the Federal Capital Territory. Each has been linked to separate controversial statements that have sparked widespread outrage and drawn condemnation from civil society organisations, political parties, and human rights groups.
The most severe allegations surround Buba, who was captured in a viral video threatening to flog residents and cut off the hands of those who refuse to support the All Progressives Congress in the 2027 general elections. In the video, which has circulated widely on social media, the commissioner was heard warning critics against attacking the Borno State government. "Whoever raises their fingers against us, we will do the same to them. If you raise your fingers again, we will cut them off," he said. "This is our administration, follow us and drink the honey. Whoever does not follow us will be flogged".
The remarks have drawn sharp condemnation from Amnesty International, which has called for the commissioner's immediate arrest and prosecution. The human rights organisation described the comments as a "direct threat" and labelled Buba a "danger to democracy" who "must face justice for the subtle incitement". Amnesty also expressed concern over what it termed the security agencies' failure to hold the commissioner accountable, insisting that the remarks were unlawful and unacceptable in a democratic society.
Similarly, Shekwolo, the Kuje Area Council Chairman, allegedly told residents of the council that they must either vote for the APC in 2027 or leave the area. The statement has been condemned by opposition parties, including the Accord Party and the African Democratic Congress, both of which have called for his arrest and prosecution. ActionAid Nigeria also condemned the remarks, describing them as threatening, inciting, and intimidating.
Senator Fadahunsi's case involves a viral video ahead of the August 15 Osun State governorship election, in which he allegedly threatened members of the Accord Party. The police have already questioned the senator over the allegations. Iniedu confirmed that he was personally part of the team that interrogated Fadahunsi in Osun State. The senator's remarks, which reportedly included a call to "kill any Accord member," had earlier prompted the Osun State Government to approach the state High Court seeking an order compelling the Inspector-General of Police and the Osun State Commissioner of Police to investigate the matter.
Speaking at the briefing, Iniedu emphasised that inciting comments, particularly those relating to the electoral process, constitute a criminal offence under Nigerian law. "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," he said. He added that all the alleged inciting statements by the three political actors are currently under investigation and that the outcome will be made public.
The police spokesperson also used the opportunity to caution all political stakeholders to desist from making inflammatory comments. He appealed to members of the public to cooperate with investigators by providing statements and evidence needed to prosecute suspected offenders. Iniedu identified the reluctance of witnesses to come forward as one of the major challenges confronting criminal prosecution in Nigeria, noting that the law requires two or three witnesses to establish a case. "He who alleges must prove his allegations," he said.
The police also provided an update on the Osun State governorship election, confirming that 154 suspects arrested in connection with various offences during the election remain in custody pending the conclusion of investigations and possible prosecution. The election, which was held on August 15, was marred by incidents of violence and allegations of malpractice, prompting the police to intensify their scrutiny of political actors involved in the process.
The investigations into Buba, Fadahunsi, and Shekwolo come at a time of heightened political tension in Nigeria, with the 2027 general elections already shaping up to be a fiercely contested battle. The three individuals under investigation are all affiliated with the ruling All Progressives Congress, raising questions about the party's internal discipline and its commitment to peaceful electoral conduct. The police's decision to launch a formal probe, however, has been widely welcomed as a demonstration of the force's willingness to hold political actors accountable, regardless of their status or party affiliation.
Iniedu's declaration that the police would not shy away from its responsibility "no matter whose ox is gored" has been interpreted as a clear warning to politicians that the era of impunity for inflammatory rhetoric may be coming to an end. The police spokesperson stressed that the force is responsible for maintaining law and order and will not tolerate any actions that could undermine the peace and stability of the country.
As the investigations proceed, the fate of the three politicians remains uncertain. The police have not indicated when the investigations will be concluded or whether the suspects will face criminal charges. However, the mere fact that a serving senator, a state commissioner, and a council chairman are under formal investigation for inciting remarks sends a powerful signal that the authorities are taking electoral violence and hate speech seriously.
For now, the police have urged all political stakeholders to exercise restraint and to focus on issue-based campaigns rather than divisive and inflammatory rhetoric. The coming months will be critical in determining whether Nigeria can conduct a peaceful and credible election in 2027, free from the spectre of violence and intimidation that has marred past polls. The police investigation into Buba, Fadahunsi, and Shekwolo is a step in the right direction, but much more needs to be done to ensure that the voices of reason and tolerance prevail over those of division and hate.
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