Osun Police Command: Senator Francis Fadahunsi Arrested for Inciting Violence

• Senator Francis Fadahunsi was invited by the police over a viral video where he allegedly asked APC supporters to 'kill' Accord Party members.
• Human rights lawyer Inibehe Effiong has demanded Fadahunsi's prosecution, arguing that releasing him without further action would be an 'official endorsement of anarchy.'
• The National Human Rights Commission has called for Fadahunsi's arrest and suspension over the death threat remarks.
• Fadahunsi was interrogated and released by the police without further action, raising questions about the handling of political cases by the Nigerian police.

Failure to prosecute Senator Fadahunsi in accordance with the law will be interpreted by well-meaning Nigerians as an official endorsement of anarchy and a dangerous signal that certain individuals are above the law.

Senator Francis Fadahunsi, representing Osun East Senatorial District, was invited by the police on Wednesday regarding a viral video where he allegedly asked All Progressives Congress (APC) supporters to 'kill' members of the rival Accord Party. He arrived at the Osun State Police Command headquarters in Osogbo at about 2:35 p.m., accompanied by Commissioner of Police Samuel Erale, who is in charge of election security. Fadahunsi was subsequently interrogated and released by the police without further action. The incident has raised questions about the handling of political cases by the Nigerian police.

The alleged statement made by Senator Fadahunsi is a serious offense that can incite violence and undermine public confidence in the police's impartiality. The National Human Rights Commission has already called for his arrest and suspension over the death threat remarks. Inibehe Effiong, a human rights lawyer, has demanded the senator's prosecution, arguing that releasing him without further action would amount to an 'official endorsement of anarchy.' The consequences of inaction could extend beyond the present controversy, damaging public confidence in the police and creating the impression that politically influential individuals enjoy different standards of treatment.

The prosecution of Senator Fadahunsi is crucial for maintaining public trust in the police's impartiality. If he is not held accountable, it could send a dangerous signal that certain individuals are above the law. The incident also highlights the need for the police to handle political cases with utmost care and transparency. As the Osun governorship election approaches, the police must ensure that they do not compromise their neutrality or create an environment conducive to violence.

Lawyers should watch for the potential consequences of the police's decision on public confidence in their impartiality and the impact on voter turnout in the Osun governorship election.

Source: Original reporting via PREMIUM TIMES