Bello, Kogi Police contradicts each other over arrest of ‘anti-Buhari protesters’ in Lokoja

The Kogi State government and Police Command are giving conflicting narratives of how anti-Buhari protesters were arrested in the wee hours of Monday.

While the State government is laying claim to the arrest before handing the protesters to the Police, the Police insists that the protesters were arrested by them.

There are reports that some protesters are campaigning against President Muhammadu Buhari in Lokoja the State capital.

Commissioner of Police
Ayuba Edeh, said two of the protesters were caught at the wee hours of the night carrying out smear campaign against President Mohammadu Buhari in Lokoja.

But the State government insisted that it was the youths of the state who apprehended the protesters and handed them over to the police.

In a statement which was issued by the Commissioner for Information and Communication, Mr. Kingsley which was made available to reporters in Lokoja claimed that the protesters were brought in from the neighbouring Benue State.

According to the Police Commissioner, “At about 2:30am in the early hours of the night, men of the command arrested two young men who were painting buildings and carrying posters with the inscription that “Buhari Must Go”.”

Ede said while people have the right to protest, it must be done lawfully without inciting the public, “The young men could not have been protesting at the wee hours of the night as is being insinuated. Painting walls, buildings and pasting anti-Buhari posters can not be termed as peaceful protest.”

He said his command is working round the state to ensure the protection of lives and properties, warn mischief makers to stay clear of the State, as his command will fish and arrest perpetrators.