DSS explains arrest of Kaduna PDP campaign DG

The Kaduna State Command of the Department of State Services has explained that it arrested Director General of the Peoples Democratic Party Campaign Organisation in the state, Ben Bako for making inciting comments.

It stated that Bako’s action, if not checked, could lead to complete breakdown of law and order in the state and beyond.

Bako was arrested after a video in which he called for the killing of anybody that failed to vote for the PDP in the forthcoming election was exposed.

But the PDP in the state said his arrest was part of All Progressives Congress (APC)’s plans to clamp down on opposition in the state.

However, in a statement issued in Kaduna, the DSS said the PDP chief was arrested so that he could explain his inciting statement.

The statement issued by Director of Security of the state command, AI Koya, said, “Other people with similar tendencies are also being investigated and would equally be prosecuted if found culpable.

“On February 9, 2019, the service invited Ben Bako to explain his comment and call for violence in the state. Earlier on February 7, 2019, Bako had addressed a rally at Kafanchan in Jema’a Local Government Area of the state.

“During the rally, Bako was recorded calling his followers to kill anybody that votes for any party other than the PDP. The video has already gone viral through the social media.

“Bako, a former Commissioner for Information in the state and leader in his own right, made the call at Kafanchan to cause violence in the state.

“Consequently, he is being investigated and would be charged to court, as soon as investigation is completed. Other people with similar tendencies are also being investigated and would equally face the same fate if found culpable,” the statement reads.

The DSS assured the people of Kaduna State that it would work with sister security agencies to ensure that citizens are free to exercise their rights to freedom of association and choice without hindrance.