Nigerian Police Arrest TikTok User Over Viral Video Inciting Violence At #EndBadGovernance Protest In Plateau
The netizen’s arrest was announced in a press statement issued on Sunday evening by spokesperson for the Plateau State Police Command, Alfred Alabo.
The Nigeria Police Force has confirmed the arrest of a TikTok user, Suleiman Yakubu “Dam-Mallam68”, for making a video to incite violence during the planned nationwide protest slated to commence on August 1, 2024.
The netizen’s arrest was announced in a press statement issued on Sunday evening by spokesperson for the Plateau State Police Command, Alfred Alabo.
In a video seen by SaharaReporters on social media, Yakubu is heard saying Nigerians should destroy the offices of security operatives in the country.
He said, “On Monday, we should start by burning down all the useless filling stations in Jos North, Jos South, and Jos West. Then the following day, we should move to the bigger market in Jos. We get those to burn down to ashes.
“On the third day, maybe if they kill one of our men, we should start going to each division (police station) around our area. Then we should start burning down those useless police stations.”
Reacting, the police authorities described Yakubu’s words as offensive. Hence, he was arrested by the police on Sunday morning.
The police statement reads: “Following the release of a TikTok video that occupied the social media space, stimulating violence in connection with the planned nationwide protest, the Plateau State Police Command has trailed and arrested the author of the inciting video.
“On 27/07/2024, the attention of the Command was drawn to the video putatively emanating from a TikTok account, identified as ‘Dam-Mallam68’.
“The suspect in the video was seen assertively inciting the public to attack security operatives and burn down critical state and private infrastructures in Plateau State as part of the activities for the protest.
“Based on the strength of the information, the Plateau State Commissioner of Police, CP Emmanuel Olugbemiga Adesina, psc set tactical assets of the Command on motion to trace and apprehend the source of the mischievous video.
“Consequently, on 28/07/2024 around 11:30 AM, one Suleiman Yakubu (male, aged 34 years) of Jos North, Plateau State who appeared in the viral video was picked at Ahmadu Bello Way, Jos through an impeccable informant.
“While in our custody, the suspect confessed to being the one in the scatheful video. Meanwhile, investigation is still ongoing.
“In view of the above, the Commissioner of Police wishes to state that the Police will intensely resist any attempt by mischief makers to plunge the state in to chaos. He stressed the need for peace to remain untempered in the State amidst the before, during and after the protest.
“The Plateau State Commissioner of Police also urges the good people of Plateau State to be law abiding and refrain from making inciting comments that will threaten peace and security in the State.”
https://x.com/princemoye1/status/1817701966824263739?s=46
https://x.com/PoliceNG/status/1817681757048848779
