Former Chief of Defence Staff, General Lucky Irabor, has called for the immediate arrest of Senator Francis Fadahunsi, Sheikh Sani Jingir and Islamic cleric Sheikh Ahmad Gumi over alleged inciting comments.
Irabor said the authorities should act swiftly against individuals whose public statements could heighten tensions or threaten national security.
The former military chief’s call comes amid growing concerns over comments by prominent Nigerians on security and other sensitive national issues.
He argued that freedom of expression should not be used to justify statements capable of provoking violence, undermining public order or worsening existing security challenges.
Irabor urged the relevant security agencies to investigate the remarks attributed to the three individuals and, where offences are established, take appropriate legal action.
His position has added to the growing debate over the limits of public commentary in Nigeria, particularly when statements touch on security, terrorism, communal tensions and the operations of the country’s armed forces.
The former CDS, however, stressed the need for the authorities to act within the law, ensuring that any arrest or prosecution is based on established evidence and due process.
The comments by Irabor are likely to fuel further public debate over how Nigeria should balance constitutional rights to freedom of expression with the need to prevent statements that could threaten national security.
The allegations and calls for arrest remain matters for the relevant authorities to investigate and determine in accordance with Nigerian law.
