The Department of State Services (DSS) has arrested two suspects, Sharu Abubakar Tabula and Isma’il Iliyasu Mangu, for inciting violence in parts of Kano State ahead of the Governorship and House of Assembly election on 18th March, 2023. The suspects recorded messages and shared them through various social media channels, specifically championing certain political interests and urging their supporters to violently attack those opposed to them, including security personnel.
The DSS warns that such actions will not be tolerated, and assures the public that it will not idly watch misguided persons or groups undermine the peace and security of the state. The agency is collaborating with sister security agencies to ensure that adequate security is provided for a successful electoral exercise.
However, a political party in Kano has threatened to organise a protest march in the metropolis and storm offices of some of the security agencies on 16th March, 2023, in solidarity for the suspects. The DSS alerts the public of this planned illegal action and calls on the concerned party to shelve it forthwith or be ready to face the consequences. The agency also urges the leadership of the party to rein in its members and urge them to desist from conducts capable of causing a breakdown of law and order in Kano and its environs.
This recent arrest is not an isolated case, as the DSS has previously arrested similar subversive elements that threatened violence in other states of the Federation. The agency had earlier enjoined politicians to engage constructively and shun violence, fake news and hate speech.
The DSS reiterates the call for political players to abide by the letters of the electoral act and guidelines. All and sundry are advised to positively contribute to the sustenance of peace and democracy in Nigeria.
