The Edo State Police Command has detained Reverend Olu Martins, who serves as the Deputy Director-General for Media in the Peoples Democratic Party governorship campaign council.
State Commissioner of Police Funsho Adegboye announced the arrest at a press briefing in Benin City on Tuesday, revealing that Martins has been charged in court.
According to Adegboye, the arrest and subsequent charges stem from allegedly inciting statements made by Martins, which are believed to have the potential to incite violence in the state.
Adegboye referenced a viral video in which Martins made inflammatory comments that could escalate tensions during the election campaign.
He stated, “He was invited to serve as a deterrent to others of like-behaviours and we also decided that the matter should be resolved at the court.”
Emphasizing the police command’s neutrality, Adegboye urged political figures in the state to adhere to established rules and regulations.
He remarked that election processes should be engaging and constructive, fostering a positive environment for aspiring politicians rather than creating tension or promoting criminal behavior.
The Commissioner warned that the command would act firmly against any politician violating the law, particularly those breaching criminal codes and electoral acts as the election nears.
He said, “I want to again warn all our political party gladiators to please play the game in accordance with the laid rules. Inciting violence is a serious crime in the criminal codes and also in the electoral acts.
“All politicians and supporters should please avoid statements that can make the environment charged unnecessarily.”
In response to Martins’ actions, the Edo State chapter of the All Progressives Congress had earlier urged the Inspector-General of Police and the Department of State Security Service to apprehend the PDP spokesman.
APC State Chairman, Jarrett Tenebe, in a statement, described Martins’ conduct as a threat to peace and indicative of the PDP’s desperation ahead of the September 21 governorship election.
The viral video in question showed Martins advocating for the vandalism of opposition campaign materials and instructing Director of Operations for the Edo State Security Network, David Olukoga, to attack those opposing the PDP candidate.
