NHRC Demands Arrest of Nigerian Senator Over Alleged Incitement to Kill Political Rivals

Nigeria's National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has called for the immediate suspension and arrest of Senator Francis Fadahunsi, representing Osun East Senatorial District. The demand stems from a viral video allegedly showing the lawmaker inciting supporters to commit violence against members of the Accord Party ahead of the Osun governorship election.

“

From now on, whenever you see Accord members, kill them. I authorize you to kill them. They have wives and children too. This is a Federal Government election. On election day, even if they come with voter cards, we won’t allow them to vote.

According to the NHRC's statement, signed by Executive Secretary Chief Tony Ojukwu, SAN, the video captures the senator making statements that constitute incitement to murder, electoral violence, and voter intimidation. The commission urged the police and the Department of State Services (DSS) to arrest, investigate, and prosecute the federal lawmaker. The alleged translated statement from the video reads: "From now on, whenever you see Accord members, kill them. I authorize you to kill them. They have wives and children too. This is a Federal Government election. On election day, even if they come with voter cards, we won’t allow them to vote."

“

This is not politics. This is a license to kill.

The NHRC emphasized the severity of such rhetoric, stating, "This is not politics. This is a license to kill." The commission urged the Senate leadership to suspend Senator Fadahunsi pending a conclusive investigation and stressed that law enforcement agencies must act proactively to prevent bloodshed. "Prevention is the duty of the state, and the leadership of the NASS is part of the state," the statement added.

“

Prevention is the duty of the state, and the leadership of the NASS is part of the state.

In parallel, human rights lawyer Mr. Deji Adeyanju has formally requested the United States government and the British High Commission to impose a visa ban on Senator Fadahunsi and his family. Adeyanju cited the senator's actions as undermining democratic and electoral processes in Nigeria, arguing that Nigerian politicians have long acted with impunity, subverting the will of the people and causing loss of life and property.

“

For far too long, Nigerian politicians have acted with impunity in a manner that has subverted the will of the Nigerian people, undermined the rule of law, and caused substantial loss of lives and property of ordinary Nigerians.