The Plateau State Police Command has arrested a man accused of urging Nigerians on TikTok to join a planned violent protest against economic hardship.
The man, who goes by the username Dam-Mallam68 on TikTok, was accused of creating an inciting video. The police tracked and arrested him following the video’s release.
Alabo Alfred, the spokesperson for the Plateau State Police Command, confirmed the arrest in a statement on Sunday night. He said, “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.”
Alfred explained that the video, which surfaced on 27/07/2024, showed the suspect inciting the public to attack security personnel and burn down important state and private properties in Plateau State as part of the protest.
The Commissioner of Police, Emmanuel Adesina, took immediate action, mobilizing the Police Command’s resources to identify and capture the person behind the video. Alfred said, “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.”
Yakubu confessed to being the person in the video while in police custody. The investigation is ongoing.
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The Commissioner of Police warned that the police would strongly oppose any attempts to cause chaos in the state. He emphasized the importance of maintaining peace before, during, and after the protest. “The Commissioner of Police wishes to state that the Police will intensely resist any attempt by mischief makers to plunge the State into chaos,” Alfred said.
Adesina urged the residents of Plateau State to remain law-abiding and avoid making comments that could threaten peace and security. He also encouraged them to report any suspicious activities or police misconduct to the command.
“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,” the statement read.