The Edo State Police Command has apprehended Reverend Olu Martins, Deputy Director-General of Media for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship campaign council. State Commissioner of Police, Funsho Adegboye, revealed this during a press briefing in Benin City on Tuesday.
Adegboye stated that Martins, the PDP campaign spokesman, has been formally charged in court for allegedly making statements that could incite violence in the state. His arrest followed the circulation of a viral video containing inflammatory remarks by Reverend Olu Martins, potentially heightening tensions during the electioneering process.
According to Adegboye, the police's intention in inviting Martins was to deter others from engaging in similar behavior, with the matter now being adjudicated in court. He emphasized the police force's non-partisan stance in political matters and urged all political actors to adhere to established rules and regulations.
The commissioner stressed the need for electioneering processes to be conducted peacefully and in accordance with the law. He warned that the police would take decisive action against any individual, regardless of their status, who violates criminal codes or electoral laws.
Adegboye urged politicians and their supporters to refrain from making statements that could exacerbate tensions unnecessarily, emphasizing that inciting violence is a serious offense under both criminal and electoral laws.
The arrest of Reverend Olu Martins came after the Edo State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) called for his apprehension, citing his alleged admission of violent behavior and threats against opposition parties. In a viral video, Martins purportedly advocated for the destruction of opposition campaign materials and endorsed coercive measures against non-PDP supporters, sparking concerns about the PDP's conduct ahead of the governorship election slated for September 21
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