Police to party supporters: Carry offensive weapons, go to jail for 12 months

Kebbi Police Command on Tuesday warned political party supporters against openly wielding offensive weapons, saying they risk jail term of 12 months.

The Commissioner of Police in the state, Ibrahim Kabir, gave the warning at a stakeholders meeting in Birnin Kebbi on the 2019 elections.

He added that those caught and convicted also risk paying a fine of N500,000.
Kabir said “candidates of all political parties must not allow their supporters to carry any offensive weapons such as axes, machetes, swords and sticks.

“Any person caught with offensive weapons commits an offence and is liable upon conviction to a maximum fine N500, 000 or imprisonment for 12 months.”
He also warned against use of electronic, online or print media to abuse political opponents.

“Political campaign or slogan shall not be tainted with abusive language directly or indirectly likely to injure religious, ethics, tribal or sectional feelings.”

The police commissioner said that such offence attracts “a maximum fine of N1 million or two months imprisonment upon conviction.

“In the case of a political party, the fine of N2 million in the first instance, and N1 million for any subsequent offence.”