Hate speech: IGP orders arrest and prosecution of offenders
- The Inspector General of Police Ibrahim Idris, has ordered all police chiefs across Nigeria to take action against those who disseminate hate speech
- Offenders who perpetuate hate speech across social media or via conventional media platforms will be arrested and prosecuted
- The police has warned that offenders will be charged under the Terrorism Prevention Act, and advised members of the public against infringing on the provisions of the law
The Inspector General of Police (IGP) Ibrahim Idris, has set in motion a process for the arrest and prosecution of peddlers of hate speech, following the directive by President Muhammadu Buhari.
The development was made public by Moshood Jimoh, spokesman of the Nigerian Police Force, in a chat with The Nation.
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Legit.ng gathers that Jimoh disclosed that police chiefs nationwide have been ordered by the IGP to monitor their areas of control, and take action against perpetuators of hate speech.
He stated: “The IGP has put in place an action plan towards dealing with this effectively.
“The aim of the Police Force is to ensure that anybody who engages in the use or dissemination of hate speeches is arrested and prosecuted.
“It does not matter whether they disseminate it through social media or through the conventional mass media like radio, television or any other media.
“They are culpable of an offence and they will be prosecuted.
“No organisation or individual is exempted. Anyone who infringes the law should be prepared for arrest or other consequences.
“The IGP has directed all Assistant Inspectors General (AIGs) of Police and all Commissioners of Police across Nigeria, including those in charge of commands or in charge of zones, to ensure that anybody in any state who goes ahead to issue hate speech is promptly arrested and prosecuted.
“You may recall that the Vice President had made it clear to everyone that hate speech is like terrorism.
“Thus, we are going to charge offenders under the Terrorism Prevention Act, and people should be forewarned that it is a grievous offence to infringe on the provisions of such laws.”
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Meanwhile, Legit.ng previously reported that the federal government directed the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) to sanction any radio or television station that broadcasts hate speech.
The minister of information and culture, Lai Mohammed, issued the directive in Abuja on Thursday, August 24, at the annual lecture series of the NBC and the 25th anniversary of the commission.
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Source: Legit.ng