We declared Babaginda’s spokesman, Afegbua, wanted because we can’t conclude investigations through media, Force PRO says

The Police have explained why the spokesman for former Military President, General Ibrahim Badamosi Babangida, Mr. Kassim Afegbua, was declared wanted.

Mr. Afegbua was declared wanted on Monday, a day after he issued a statement on behalf of General Babangida, asking President Muhammadu Buhari not to seek re-election.

A controversy started not long after he issued the statement when a second statement was issued in which the former military President denied authorising the statement.

In declaring Mr. Afegbua wanted, the police advised him to report to the nearest police station.

On Tuesday morning, the Police Public Relations Officer (Force PRO), Jimoh Moshood, a Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP), said that Mr. Afegbue made “injurious falsehood”, among other criminal offences.

“The Inspector General of Police has ordered his arrest for giving false statement, making injurious falsehood and equally defamation of character or an act which is inimical to law and order in the country,” Mr. Moshood said when he appeared on the Channels Television’s breakfast show, Sunrise Daily on Tuesday.

He added that the police became involved after General Babangida denied authorising the statement.

The Force PRO, however, declined to give details about the progress the police have made in its investigation when asked if the former military president had been contacted to confirm whether he issued the statement.

Mr. Moshood also declined to disclose whether Mr. Afegbua had been invited by the police or contacted before being declared wanted.

“We have not reached any conclusion because we have commenced an investigation into the matter and that is why he is wanted by the police to come and give an explanation,” the Force PRO said.

“There is no way we can conclude any investigation through the media, it is not done. And whatsoever Kassim said, let him come and tell us because we have opened up a case against him and he must come and provide answers to all the questions.”