The Nigeria Police has said a total of 128 people were arrested across the country for various electoral offences ranging from homicide-related crimes, vote trading, ballot box snatching, impersonation, malicious damage, amongst others; just as 38 assorted weapons and a cache of explosives were also recovered.
A press statement by Force Public Relations Officer (FPRO) ACP Frank MBA, Sunday in Abuja, said acting Inspector General of Police Muhammad Adamu has directed the Special Election Investigation Team (SEIT) to commence discrete investigation of all security-related infractions during the election and ensure that all found culpable are brought to book in accordance with the law.
The Police boss who commended Nigerians for massive turn-out, and the largely orderly conduct during the Presidential/National Assembly elections, also Police commended personnel and other security agencies for the sacrifices made towards the successful conduct of the elections.
According to him, “Notwithstanding a few unfortunate incidents, including loss of lives recorded during the election, the IGP hails the exercise as a generally successful one.”
The acting IGP also expressed deep concern over continuous use of hateful and inflammatory comments capable of inciting Nigerians against one another, especially by politicians and their followers.
Adam, therefore, warned that while the Force was not in the business of censoring Nigerians or abridging their constitutional rights of freedom of speech, it would not hesitate to rein in the full wrath of the law on any person found wanting in this regard.
Similarly, the acting IGP noted that only the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) was authorised by law to announce election results and warned all those, especially the social media users, engaging in unlawful announcement and dissemination of election results to desist forthwith or be ready to face the consequences of their actions.
Meanwhile, the Police boss has directed the zonal Assistant Inspectors General of Police (AIGs) and Command Commissioners of Police (CPs) to ensure adequate post-election security arrangement in their areas of responsibilities, with special focus on collation centres and other vulnerable points to ensure no breach of peace of any kind is recorded across the country.
