Men of the Nigeria Police Force have arrested a young man allegedly accused of inciting violence on TikTok ahead of the planned August 1, 2024 mass protest envisaged by Nigerians to press home their demand over high cost of living in the country.
Nigeria Police Force in a news release signed and made available on Sunday by Plateau State Police Command spokesperson, Alfred Alabo, said, the suspect in a viral TikTok video called for people to attack security operatives and burn down government properties including police stations.
The Statement reads in quote: “Following the release of a TikTok video that occupied the social media space, stimulating violence in connection with the planned nationwide protest, the Plateau State Police Command has trailed and arrested the author of the inciting video.
On 27/07/2024, the attention of the Command was drawn to the video putatively emanating from a Tik Tok account, identified as “Dam-Mallam68”.
The suspect in the video was seen assertively inciting the public to attack security operatives and burn down critical State and private infrastructures in Plateau State as part of the activities for the protest.
Based on the strength of the information, the Plateau State Commissioner of Police, CP Emmanuel Olugbemiga Adesina, sets tactical assets of the Command on motion to trace and apprehend the source of the mischievous video.
Consequently, on 28/07/2024 around 11:30 AM, one Suleiman Yakubu (male, aged 34 years) of Jos North, Plateau State who appeared in the viral video was picked at Ahmadu Bello Way, Jos through an impeccable informant.
While in our custody, the suspect confessed to being the one in the scatheful video. Meanwhile, investigation is still ongoing.
In view of the above, the Commissioner of Police wishes to state that the Police will intensely resist any attempt by mischief makers to plunge the State in to chaos. He stressed the need for peace to remain untempered in the State amidst the before, during and after the protest.
The Plateau State Commissioner of Police also urges the good people of Plateau State to be law abiding and refrain from making inciting comments that will threaten peace and security in the State.
The CP encourages residents of the State to report any suspicious activities to the following GSM numbers: Police Control Room Emergency Numbers:
07059473022, 08038907662, 08075391844 and 09053872296.
Members of the general public are also advised to report any misconduct of our officers within the State through the following numbers: Plateau State Complaint Response Unit Numbers:
08060545670 (PPRO), 08037681026, 08067884627, 08069638786 and 08066709795″.
Meanwhile, the Nigeria Police Force has refuted claims that the IGP is trying to rewrite Nigeria constitution over the planned nationwide protest.
The Force in a statement signed by its Spokesperson, Olumuyiwa Adejobi on Sunday, said: “the Nigeria Police Force hereby addresses the recent accusations made by one activist, Deji Adeyanju, and others via various fora, alleging that the IGP is attempting to rewrite the Constitution by requesting the details of the organizers and leaders of the planned nationwide protests.
It is vital to clarify that the IGP has never denied the constitutional right of every citizen to freedom of association and expression, but has rather, at every point, emphasized that the right is that to peaceful assembly and expression.
Also, the Nigeria Police holds the responsibility to ensure that any activity, including protests, does not pose a threat to national security.
In this wise, requesting the details of protest organizers and their leaders and the schedules of their protests which include location, period, routes etc, is a standard procedure to facilitate effective communication, ensure the safety of all participants, and prevent any unlawful activities.
It is also vital for Deji Adeyanju to note that in the interest of defence, public safety, public order, public morality or public health; or for the purpose of protecting the rights and freedom of other persons as enshrined in Section 45 (1) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, this request by the IGP is not out of place.
It is essential to know who is planning the assembly (protests) in each state as allowing faceless groups to operate unchecked could jeopardize the peace and stability of the country, and leave us with pains, sorrows and tears as experienced in the 2020 violent EndSARS Protests. If organized labour and other recognized bodies were involved, it would have provided a more structured and safer environment for such public protests.
While the Police urges Mr Adeyanju and other organizers not to mislead Nigerians. We therefore call on them to join hands in working together to uphold the security and well-being of our nation”.
