Protest: Police Parade Plateau TikToker For Inciting Violence

The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has arrested and paraded a 34-year-old Suleiman Yakubu, who was seen in a viral Tiktok video, calling for burning down and destruction of public properties as part of the planned hardship protest slated for August 1 in Jos, Plateau State.

The suspect had through his account identified as “Dan_Mallam68,” urged the residents of Jos to attack petrol stations, security operatives, and destroy critical state and private infrastructures during the protests.

Yakubu was thereafter trailed and arrested by the men of the Plateau State Police Command in Jos on Sunday.

Meanwhile, while parading the suspect in Abuja on Tuesday, the Force PRO, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, said the suspect was arrested on July 28 and he is currently in Police custody undergoing investigation and interrogation.

Part of the statement read by ACP Olumuyiwa said, “as you are all aware, a video recently went viral on TikTok, where an individual incited violence against state critical infrastructures, law enforcement agencies, and private individuals in Plateau State, in connection with the planned nationwide protest.

“The video, originating from a TikTok account identified as “Dan_Mallam68,” showed the suspect provocatively urging the public to attack petrol stations, security operatives, and destroy critical state and private infrastructures.”

The Force spokesperson further said: “upon receiving this information, the Nigeria Police Force in Plateau State, with support from relevant stakeholders, traced the suspect’s location to Ahmadu Bello Way. On July 28, 2024, Suleiman Yakubu, a 34-year-old resident of Jos North, was successfully apprehended.

“During interrogation, Mr. Yakubu confessed to being the individual in the viral video but has not been able to explain his motivation for such statements with severe criminal implications. He is currently in police custody as we continue our investigations.

“In light of the planned nationwide protest, we have received credible intelligence indicating that certain individuals are planning to infiltrate the protest and cause chaos. It is crucial for the leaders and organizers of the protest to interface with the police, providing us with vital information such as contact details for ease of communication, locations, routes, and schedules. This collaboration will enable us to deploy our personnel effectively, ensuring the safety and security of all participants and the general public.

“It is imperative to emphasize that the Nigeria Police will not tolerate any attempts by mischief-makers to destabilize the country or incite violence. We remain committed to maintaining peace and order and urge everyone to exercise their right to protest responsibly and within the bounds of the law.”