Lawyers demand probe into killings, alleged incitement during Osun election
The Coalition of Public Interest Lawyers and Advocates (COPA) has given the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the Nigeria Police Force seven days to investigate alleged inciting statements and killings linked to the August 15 Osun governorship election.
Addressing journalists in Abuja on Friday, Ajibola Bello, national coordinator of COPA, said the conclusion of the election should not prevent authorities from investigating alleged offences committed before or during the poll.
Bello said the coalition had examined several videos purportedly showing political actors making threats against opponents, discouraging citizens from voting and, in one instance, allegedly calling for the killing of members of an opposition party.
He said COPA was particularly concerned about the alleged connection between some of the statements and subsequent outbreaks of violence in parts of the state.
The conclusion of an election cannot extinguish criminal liability where credible evidence exists of offences committed before or during the poll,” Bello said.
The coalition cited a video allegedly featuring a prominent figure in the APC governorship campaign warning political opponents in Yoruba against acting contrary to the interests of President Bola Tinubu.
According to Bello, the statement was made at the beginning of the campaign and was followed by violence in Esa-Oke, including the killing of a resident.
He, however, cautioned against drawing a direct conclusion that the statement established responsibility for the killing.
“That determination belongs to investigators and ultimately the courts,” he said, adding that the allegation and subsequent violence nevertheless warranted a thorough and impartial investigation.
COPA also raised concerns over another video allegedly showing a serving senator calling on supporters to kill members of Accord.
Bello described the allegation as particularly serious because of the status of the person allegedly involved, saying it was followed by violence in Ilesa and surrounding communities in which more than nine people were reportedly killed.
Where a serving Senator is recorded allegedly telling supporters to kill members of an opposing political party, and people subsequently lose their lives in election-related violence, the institutions established by law cannot simply look away,” he said.
The lawyers said their demand was not for any individual to be presumed guilty, but for authorities to establish the authenticity of the videos, investigate the allegations and prosecute anyone against whom sufficient evidence is found.
COPA also mentioned a video allegedly involving Francis Eniade, who was purportedly heard warning non-APC members against voting and specifically referring to Adewale Egbedun, speaker of the Osun state house of assembly.
Bello said political affiliation could not be used to restrict citizens from exercising their constitutional right to vote, urging INEC to take responsibility for electoral offences.
He cited section 148(2) of the Electoral Act 2026, which provides for the prosecution of offences under the act by INEC legal officers or legal practitioners appointed by the commission.
The coalition consequently urged INEC not to leave the matter entirely to the police, but to exercise its statutory prosecutorial powers where appropriate.
Bello also called on security agencies to identify and question those featured in the videos, interview witnesses, establish the circumstances surrounding reported killings and forward relevant investigation files for prosecution.
The coalition further expressed concern over allegations that political connections could shield suspects from investigation or prosecution.
The easiest way to disprove an allegation of selective justice is to enforce the law without fear or favour,” Bello said.
“We are demanding investigation, prosecution where the evidence meets the legal threshold, and determination of guilt or innocence by a court of competent jurisdiction.”