The Nigeria Police Force has initiated a thorough investigation following claims by Farouk Adejoh, the spokesperson for the Social Democratic Party (SDP) in Kogi State. Adejoh had alleged that Commissioner of Police Bethrand Onuoha played a role in recruiting thugs for a specific political party within the state.
In response, the State Police Command, as represented by SP William Ovye Aya, reacted to Adejoh’s allegations, terming them a direct affront to the integrity and authority of the police force.
Aya issued a 24-hour ultimatum for Adejoh to substantiate his claims or face consequences for his actions.
Highlighting the police’s commitment to impartiality, Aya said;
“The Police Command doesn’t belong to any political party. Our responsibility is to protect lives and property, a mandate we have protected without fear or favour.
“Today, we received reports of a protest gone awry at the State Office of the Independent National Electoral Commission. The CP swiftly directed the deployment of officers and men to restore normalcy at the INEC Office.
“Our concern is the protection of the staff and property of the Electoral Commission as well as the safety of the citizens transacting businesses around the INEC Office.
“With the support of other security agencies, calm was restored at the INEC State Headquarters.
“How the operation that restored peace at the INEC Office has infuriated the Social Democratic Party is what we don’t understand. The protesters who blocked the road and were burning tires to scare people were all wearing the fez caps of the Social Democratic Party,” the Kogi police spokesperson said in the statement.