Two men, Sharu Tabula and Isma’il Mangu, were arrested by the Department of State Services for asking their supporters to cause mayhem in parts of Kano State during the forthcoming elections.
According to the secret police, the suspects shared harmful messages that they had earlier recorded through various social media channels.
The two suspects were said to have directly ordered their supporters to violently attack those opposed to them, including security personnel during Saturday’s governorship and House of Assembly election in the state.
In a statement made available to newsmen by the DSS Public Relations Officer, Peter Afunanya, on Thursday, he said the agency is aware of plans by a political party to organise solidarity protests for the suspects in Kano as well as storm offices of some of security agencies.
The statement read partly, “While the service alerts the public of this planned illegal action, it calls on the concerned party to shelve it forthwith or be ready to face the consequences. The DSS assures that it will not idly watch misguided persons or groups undermine the peace and security of the state.
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“The leadership of the said party should rein in its members and urge them to desist from conducts capable of causing a breakdown of law and order in Kano and its environs before, during and after the scheduled election.
“Meanwhile, the service is collaborating with sister security agencies to ensure that adequate security is provided for a successful electoral exercise.”
Additionally, the agency said its operatives in some other Nigerian states have arrested some persons that threatened violence.
According to the government security outfit, they had on 8th of March 2023 enjoined politicians to engage constructively and shun violence, fake news and hate speech. They also reiterate the call for political players to abide by the letters of the electoral act and guidelines.
“All and sundry are advised to positively contribute to the sustenance of peace and democracy in Nigeria,” the statement concluded.