IGP Orders Arrest, Prosecution Of Campaign Billboard Vandals

The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, has directed Commissioners of Police in the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) to arrest and prosecute persons involved in the destruction, defacement and unlawful removal of political campaign posters, banners and billboards ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Aniete Iniede, disclosed this in a statement issued in Abuja, on Wednesday.

The statement noted that the Nigeria Police Force had observed with serious concern the increasing incidents of deliberate destruction of campaign materials belonging to political parties and candidates across the country.

The Police in the statement condemned acts of political intolerance and warned political thugs, hoodlums and other mischief-makers involved in the destruction of campaign materials to desist from such activities or face the consequences.

It further explained that the destruction, defacement or unlawful removal of another candidate’s campaign materials could constitute malicious damage, which is a criminal offence under applicable laws, including Section 451 of the Criminal Code Act and Section 326 of the Penal Code Law.

The Police in the same vein, stressed that political differences or loyalty to a particular party did not confer on anyone the right to destroy another candidate’s property or prevent others from exercising their constitutionally guaranteed right to campaign freely.

According to the statement, all political parties and candidates, irrespective of their affiliations or status, were entitled to equal protection under the law, adding that no individual or group had the authority to determine whose campaign materials should be displayed or destroyed.

“The IGP had directed Commissioners of Police in the states and the FCT to take proactive measures to prevent such incidents, investigate reported cases and ensure the arrest and prosecution of persons found culpable”, it said.

It also warned that political sponsors and individuals who recruit, encourage or facilitate the criminal acts would be held accountable whenever evidence established their involvement.

The police urged political parties, candidates and their supporters to conduct their campaigns peacefully and respect the rights of others, warning that political intolerance, intimidation and criminal conduct must not be allowed to undermine the nation’s democratic process.

The statement noted that the Force would not allow political thugs and troublemakers to turn the nation’s political environment into a theatre of lawlessness, insisting that anyone found violating the law would face its full consequences.

However, the Police Force called on Nigerians to respect the law and uphold the principles of peaceful political participation, particularly as political activities gather momentum ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The police reiterated that the right to campaign and promote political interests must be exercised within the confines of the law, while urging political stakeholders to discourage violence and other acts capable of threatening public peace.

The Force assured Nigerians of its commitment to maintaining law and order throughout the political season, stressing that the protection of all candidates and political parties remained a priority as the country prepares for the 2027 general elections.

King Onunwor