CHECK: Nigerian Police Reposts 2011 Photos On Facebook To Blackmail Protesters
The Police Public Relations Officer of the Kano State Command, Abdullahi Haruna Kiyawa, on Thursday reposted photos of criminal suspects and recovered items he posted on Facebook on August 7, 2011.
Whereas the police spokesperson had on August 7, 2011 posted the photos as criminal suspects and items recovered from them, Kiyawa reposted the photos on Thursday, claiming they are nationwide #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria protesters arrested in Kano looting public properties under the guise of protest.
Kiyawa attached the photos to a statement he titled, “Arrest of 269 Criminals that Engages in Destruction, Violence, Looting of Government, Public Properties under the guise of the Nationwide Protest”.
Kiyawa also reminded residents of the state of the warning by the Commissioner of Police in the state, to strictly obey the 24-hour curfew imposed by the state government to deter the ongoing hunger protest.
The statement read, “Today, Thursday, 1st of August, 2024, the Kano State Police Command has successfully apprehended some criminals who exploited the planned nationwide strike as a cover for their malicious activities.
“These individuals engaged in acts of violence, destruction, looting, and causing harm to innocent civilians and resulting in the damage of public and private properties.
“In a swift and efficient response to these criminal activities, a total of two hundred and sixty-nine (269) suspects responsible for destructions, looting, and instigating chaos under the guise of the nationwide protest were arrested with recovery from them many jerricans of 25 litres of Groundnut Oil, a large quantity of stationeries, foodstuffs, and other valuable properties.
“The suspects are currently cooling their feet at the Command’s Criminal Investigation Department (CID) and thereafter will be charged in court upon completion of the investigation. More arrests and recoveries are in progress.
“The Commissioner of Police reiterated that it is the prerogative of the Nigeria Police Force to ensure the protection of lives and properties.
“Therefore, whoever tries to cause violence, destruction, looting of people’s and government properties, and meddling in fake news to heat up the situation will be dealt with according to the law.
“The CP further calls on residents to strictly obey the 24-hour curfew imposed by the State Government as violations will not be tolerated.
“The Kano Police Command will continue to take proactive measures to prevent any unscrupulous individuals or groups from causing harm or inciting violence in the State.
“Law-abiding citizens are urged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities promptly to the authorities to help maintain peace and stability of the State.”
Reacting to the police spokesperson’s post, human rights activist and Convener of #RevolutionNow movement, Omoyele Sowore, berated Kiyawa for deliberately reposting the old photos to blackmail protesters.
Sowore, a former presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC) in the 2023 general elections, said on X, “The @officialABAT regime already planned how to blackball Nigerians into submission even before this nonviolent social change action(s) started; this was posted by the Kano State @PoliceNG PPRO on Facebook today.
“He was caught pants down because the same office had posted the same photos in 2011 on @facebook. The reason you must understand their game plan and stay focused.”
Also, a Facebook user, Sani Abubakar, reminded the police spokesperson that he had posted the photos in 2011, saying, “You have been posting this since 2011 but today you renew it and you are repeating it. Allah ya kyauta.”
