The Nigeria Police Force has opened investigations into alleged inciting remarks made by Borno State Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Sainna Buba; Kuje Area Council Chairman in the Federal Capital Territory, Danjuma Shekwolo; and Senator Francis Fadahunsi of Osun East.

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

Speaking at a joint security spokespersons briefing in Abuja on Tuesday, Force spokesperson Ani Iniedu said making statements capable of inciting members of the public, particularly during an electoral process, amounts to a criminal offence.

He said the police would investigate the allegations against the political figures irrespective of their positions or affiliations.

Iniedu disclosed that Fadahunsi had already been questioned over alleged threats against members of the Accord Party.

He said the investigation into all three cases was ongoing and that the findings would be made public.

The investigations followed controversial comments attributed to the politicians.

Buba was reportedly accused of threatening to flog residents who refused to support the All Progressives Congress (APC) ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Shekwolo was also alleged to have told residents of Kuje Area Council to either support the APC in 2027 or leave the council.

Fadahunsi, on his part, was reportedly captured in a video making threatening remarks against members of the Accord Party.

The police urged political actors to exercise restraint and avoid statements capable of provoking violence or disrupting the electoral process.

154 SUSPECTS STILL UNDER INVESTIGATION

On the Osun governorship election, the police confirmed that 154 suspects arrested as of the morning of the election were still being investigated.

The Force appealed to witnesses and members of the public with relevant information to cooperate with investigators and provide evidence that could support prosecution.

Iniedu identified the reluctance of witnesses to appear in court or provide evidence as a major obstacle to successful criminal prosecutions.

He urged members of the public to come forward without fear, stressing that their cooperation would help investigators and prosecutors build stronger cases against alleged offenders.

POLICE DEFEND RESPONSE TO LAGOS PENSIONERS

Meanwhile, the police defended their handling of protests by pensioners in Lagos, insisting that retirees have the right to demand their entitlements but must do so within the limits of the law.

The Force spokesperson said the police recognised the sacrifices made by retired personnel and other senior citizens, noting that serving officers also look forward to retirement.

However, he maintained that the constitutional right to protest does not extend to disorderly conduct or actions capable of disrupting public order.

He said Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu, had on two occasions invited representatives of the pensioners to his office and advised them on lawful channels for presenting their grievances.

According to him, some previous demonstrations had allegedly resulted in the breach of the Presidential Villa in Abuja and the obstruction of major roads in the Federal Capital Territory.

The police therefore maintained that officers are legally empowered to use proportionate force where necessary to control riotous gatherings.

The Force, however, appealed to the pensioners to continue pursuing their demands peacefully, assuring them that the police leadership remained supportive of their legitimate grievances and representations.