Nigeria Rights Commission Seeks Senator's Arrest Over Death Threat Remarks

Nigeria's National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has demanded the immediate suspension and arrest of Senator Francis Fadahunsi, who represents Osun East Senatorial District. The commission cited alleged death threats made by the senator against members of the Accord Party in Ilesa, just days before the Osun State governorship election.

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The Senate leadership is hereby called upon to suspend Senator Fadahunsi immediately pending conclusive investigation by the police.

NHRC Executive Secretary Tony Ojukwu stated that the Senate leadership should suspend Fadahunsi pending a police investigation. He also urged the Police and the Department of State Services (DSS) to arrest, investigate, and prosecute the senator, emphasizing the need for preventative action to avoid bloodshed. "We cannot wait until blood is spilt in Osun before we act," Ojukwu said.

Senator Fadahunsi, a member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), made the controversial remarks in Yoruba during a rally. A viral video shows him condemning alleged killings of APC members, which he attributed to the Accord Party. He reportedly referred to the Accord Party's yellow branding as a "Yellow Fever cap" and an "animal cap," and stated, "So, we have come to tell you, up till the day of the election, if we see them, it is killing."

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The Police and DSS must also arrest, investigate, and prosecute him now. We cannot wait until blood is spilt in Osun before we act.

Further remarks attributed to Fadahunsi included, "From now on, whenever you see Accord members, kill them. I authorise you to kill them... On election day, even if they come with voter cards, we won’t allow them to vote." However, Fadahunsi's media office later issued a statement refuting the literal interpretation of his words. They claimed he intended to urge supporters to "overwhelmingly reject the Accord Party at the ballot box through lawful, peaceful and democratic means."

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So, we have come to tell you, up till the day of the election, if we see them, it is killing.

Despite the senator's clarification, the NHRC maintained that his remarks constituted incitement to murder, electoral violence, and voter intimidation. Ojukwu described the comments as a "licence to kill" and asserted that a public official issuing such directives should not remain in office. The police have reportedly invited the senator for questioning.

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From now on, whenever you see Accord members, kill them. I authorise you to kill them.