The Nigerian Police Force Sokoto State command has warned residents of the state, especially politicians and their supporters to as a matter of urgency to stop all forms of criminal activities while celebrating their political party’s victory at the polls.
The State Commissioner for Police, Mr Muhammed Ussaini Gumel, who gave the warning while addressing Journalists on the command’s recent arrests of suspected criminals said the command would not tolerate any form of political thuggery in across the state.
He restated position on never to tolerate a situation where persons or groups take laws into their hands in the name of election victory celebration in the state.
According to Gumel, the security agencies would also not tolerate people who are in the category of peddling fake news, hate speech and all forms of false narratives.
“This is as basis to ignites violence or abyss the people against the present or incoming administration in the State are advised to stop forthwith.
“Those inciting violence have nothing to gain as doing so will not only consume them, so also the innocent ones. This, to say the least, does not augur well for peaceful coexistence and general order.
“Residents of the state are on this note assured of enjoying a safe and secure life after the general elections.
“The command has put in place all necessary measures to checkmate these elements and is fully determined to keep arresting all trouble makers who will be treated as common criminals to be brought to justice,” CP Gumel said.
He reassured the Command’s readiness to provide the best form of security for the forthcoming supplementary elections slated for April 15, in the state.
He warned those desperate in engaging on crimes, such as threats, direct or indirect including causing grievous harm, criminal intimidation, extortion, looting, arsons, mischief or head-bent to cause a breakdown of law and order to desist from that.
“The public should be wary of allowing themselves from getting involved in any action that violates the law.
“People should keep prevailing on their loved ones or their political party affiliates from getting involved in actions that are totally repugnant to natural justice, equity and law conscience,” the CP added.
He explained that no fewer than 79 suspects were arrested over various degrees of electoral offences during the March 28, Gubernatorial/State Assembly elections in the state.
He said those arrested were persons that violated the movement restrictions order and committed other offences that contravened the Electoral Act
“The suspects arrested were those that engaged in vote buying, destruction of ballot boxes, thuggery, threats and inciting public disturbances at polling units, among others.
“Let me assure you that all these electoral offenders were fully investigated and already transferred to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for prosecution.
“However, others that contravened the penal code have been charged to court by the Police. There are others that are still under investigation and will be prosecuted at the conclusion of investigation,” he added.
