The Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, has claimed that the Nigerian police have arrested one person who was inciting violent acts, including setting police stations and public buildings on fire during the August 1st protest. He also mentioned that most individuals advocating for violent protests have not been identified, with only a few being arrested and detained.
He emphasized the threats that fake news can bring, potentially increasing tensions and sparking unwarranted violence. Contrary to some claims, he clarified that only individuals inciting violence have been arrested, while peaceful demonstrators have not been targeted by the police. However, he still urged caution for those planning to join peaceful protests, referencing intelligence reports indicating possible dangers.
He said in an interview with Channels TV, ''The people who are threatening to cause violence at the protest grounds are faceless and they remain faceless. But for those of them that we have been able to trace, we have picked some of them and they are already in our detention. We arrested one man who was instigating people to go and burn down police stations and public places. We have not arrested anybody who is calling people to come out for peaceful protest.
And that is why I warned of the danger of spread of fake news to foil crisis during the protest. We have not arrested anybody who is calling for peaceful protest and yet it's already been reported that we have started arresting people. We have only arrested those people who are openly calling for violence and the others remain faceless. And then if the protesters decide to go on procession, the police will not disrupt the protest. However, with the intelligence at our disposal, it is not advisable for peaceful protesters to go on the streets at this particular period.''
Please watch the video below and fast forward to:41:42
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