By Emmanuel Thomas l Thursday, August 13, 2026
OSOGBO — Human rights lawyer and activist, Inibehe Effiong, Esq., has called on the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Olatunji Rilwan Disu, to immediately arrest and arraign the Senator representing Osun East Senatorial District, Senator Francis Fadahunsi, over an alleged incitement to violence against members of the Accord Party ahead of the forthcoming Osun State gubernatorial election.
Effiong warned that the refusal or failure of law enforcement agencies to prosecute the lawmaker following a viral video where he allegedly called for a “blood bath” against opposition party supporters amounts to an official endorsement of anarchy in the state.
Allegations and Incendiary Comments
In a public statement released on Thursday, Effiong expressed deep concern over the remarks made by the federal lawmaker, describing them as highly reckless, irresponsible, and dangerous, particularly given the volatile political atmosphere currently enveloping Osun State.
According to Effiong, the viral video shows Senator Fadahunsi making explicit calls for the killing of Accord Party supporters in the lead-up to Saturday’s crucial governorship poll. Although the Senator subsequently issued a clarification claiming his words were meant figuratively—referring to “killing” the opposition through electoral votes—Effiong dismissed the defense as “pedestrian, childish, and feeble.”
”The statement made by the Senator in the viral video is highly unfortunate, condemnable, reckless, and irresponsible, especially at a time when the political atmosphere in the state is already tense,” Effiong stated. “The Senator’s incendiary statement has heightened the already tense political atmosphere in the state, which may lead to a breakdown of law and order and negatively affect voter turnout in the forthcoming election.”
Accusations of Police Partisanship
The human rights advocate raised serious concerns over the handling of the matter by the Osun State Police Command. He revealed that while the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) of the state command briefly invited Senator Fadahunsi for questioning, he was promptly released without charges or further legal action.
Effiong contrasted this treatment with what he characterized as aggressive police acti on against opposition figures, noting that members of the Accord Party had previously been arrested by police operatives and transported to Abuja on unsubstantiated allegations of political violence.
”I am aware that the Criminal Investigation Department of the Osun State Police Command invited the Senator for questioning and subsequently released him. This shows that the Osun State Police Command has already taken sides and appears unwilling to take further action against the Senator,” Effiong alleged.
Directing his appeal directly to the Police hierarchy in Abuja, Effiong called on Inspector General of Police Olatunji Rilwan Disu to step in and order the immediate prosecution of the Osun East Senator in a court of competent jurisdiction.
He emphasized that prosecuting high-profile political figures accused of inciting electoral violence is essential to convincing the Nigerian public that the police force remains non-partisan and fully committed to securing a free, fair, and credible electoral process in Osun State.
”It is on this note that I call on the Inspector General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, to immediately arraign the Senator in a court of competent jurisdiction, in order to demonstrate to Nigerians that his commitment to securing the electoral process in Osun and ensuring a free and fair election is not empty,” the statement read.
Threat to Democratic Process and Public Order
Effiong warned that allowing influential politicians to escape accountability for hate speech and threats of violence creates a dangerous precedent that threatens Nigeria’s democratic stability.
He cautioned that inaction by law enforcement would not only erode public trust in the Nigeria Police Force but could also trigger voter apathy, as citizens may stay away from polling units out of fear for their safety.
”Failure to prosecute Senator Fadahunsi in accordance with the law will be interpreted by well-meaning Nigerians as an official endorsement of anarchy and a dangerous signal that certain individuals are above the law,” Effiong concluded.
“Such inaction will not only undermine public confidence in the impartiality and integrity of the Nigeria Police Force, but may also embolden political actors and their supporters to resort to threats, intimidation, and violence as tools of political engagement.”
