The Osun State Attorney-General has approached the state High Court seeking an order compelling the police to investigate controversial comments allegedly made by Senator Francis Fadahunsi against members of the Accord Party ahead of Saturday’s governorship election.
The suit was filed at the Osun High Court in Osogbo on Wednesday, with the Inspector-General of Police and the Osun State Commissioner of Police named as respondents. Fadahunsi was listed as an interested party.
What triggered the case?
Fadahunsi, who represents Osun East Senatorial District, was previously accused of telling APC supporters to “kill” Accord members if they encountered them during the electoral process.
The senator later explained that his statement was metaphorical, saying he meant supporters should defeat the Accord Party at the polls through peaceful and lawful means.
Following the controversy, the police invited Fadahunsi on August 11 to clarify the circumstances surrounding the comments allegedly made during an APC campaign in Ilesa. He reportedly honoured the invitation and was subsequently granted administrative bail.
What the Osun AG wants
In the court action, Attorney-General Oluwole Jimi-Bada is asking the court to compel the police to obtain and preserve the complete, unedited video of the senator’s remarks and subject it to forensic examination.
The AG also wants the police to thoroughly investigate the circumstances surrounding the recording and determine whether the alleged comments amount to threats, incitement to violence or other offences under applicable laws.
Another major request is for the police to take preventive security measures to protect Accord members, supporters, candidates, agents and voters who may be at risk during the election.
The suit comes as political tensions remain high in Osun ahead of Saturday’s governorship poll, with parties trading allegations of intimidation and possible violence.
Source: Osun State Attorney-General’s suit filed at the Osun High Court; police statements referenced in the case.
