The Nigeria Police Force has opened up on its order to arrest an aide to former military president, Ibrahim Babangida over a statement addressing President Buhari.
While speaking during a Channels TV programme “Sunrise Daily” on Tuesday, the Nigerian Police Force spokesman, Jimoh Moshood, reacted to its order to arrest Kassim Aregbua, spokesman to former military president, Ibrahim Babangida over anti-Buhari statement.
The police spokesman said Afegbua has been accused of defamation of character, causing disorder through his statement which raised eyebrows in the country.
Recall that IBB’s spokesman, Afegbua, in a statement issued on Sunday on behalf of Babangida, quoted him as saying that President Muhammadu Buhari should not seek re-election in 2019.
But another statement allegedly issued by the former Military President called on Nigerians to disregard the earlier statement by Afegbua.
Moshood who spoke to the TV host, Maupe Ogun, explained that Aregbua’s invitation by police does not mean conviction of any crime until investigations are concluded.
He said, ”Yes the IGP has ordered his arrest for making false injurious statement, defamation of character and an act to bring down peace in the country.
“We have not reached a conclusion, we launched investigation into the matter that is why we have invited him to the police headquarters.
“Every Nigerian, no matter how highly or lowly placed are entitled to their opinion. The fact remains that it is only personalities in public offices that have immunity not to be declared wanted by the police.
“Being wanted does not convict you of the crimes or taint image. We have the responsibility to protect law and order in the country.”
On whether police spoke to Babangida on the statements released, Moshood declined making comments in the regard.
“The information is not meant for the public. We have reason to investigate because we have received controversial statement although no complaints by the government,” Moshood added.
