Nigerian Police Disown and Arrest Hadaina Hussaini Over Threat of Reprisal Attacks in Edo State

The Nigeria Police Force has officially distanced itself from Hadaina Hussaini, a man arrested for making threats of reprisal attacks following the recent killings in Uromi, Edo State. According to police authorities, Hussaini falsely presented himself as a member of the police force in a viral video where he issued threatening statements regarding the violence in the region.

Hussaini was apprehended after a video surfaced online showing him dressed in what resembled police attire. In the video, he condemned the killings in Uromi and vowed revenge against those he claimed were responsible. His comments quickly spread across social media, raising public concerns about potential ethnic and communal violence.

In a statement issued on Friday, April 5, 2025, the police emphasized that Hussaini is not a serving officer of the Nigeria Police Force. The force described his behavior as “criminal and unacceptable,” stressing that no individual has the right to incite violence or take the law into their own hands, regardless of personal grievances or community tensions.

The police also confirmed that Hussaini is currently in custody and undergoing interrogation. Investigators are working to determine his motives, background, and whether he had any collaborators in disseminating the video or planning any violent actions.

Force Public Relations Officer ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi stated that Hussaini’s actions were not only unlawful but also dangerous, given the sensitive security situation in Edo State. He added that the Nigeria Police Force is committed to maintaining law and order across the country and will not tolerate individuals attempting to undermine public safety through threats or misinformation.

Adejobi urged the public to remain calm and avoid sharing unverified videos or messages that could incite fear or escalate tensions. He reiterated the importance of relying on official police communication channels for updates and security advisories.

The police also called on community leaders, religious heads, and civil society organizations to collaborate in promoting peace and preventing the spread of inflammatory content. Authorities warned that anyone caught spreading hate speech or making threats of violence would be prosecuted under the full extent of the law.

The killings in Uromi, which prompted Hussaini’s video, have already heightened ethnic and communal tensions in Edo State. Though investigations into the attacks are ongoing, security agencies have urged residents to remain peaceful and law-abiding while assuring that efforts are underway to bring those responsible to justice.

The arrest of Hadaina Hussaini is part of broader efforts by the Nigeria Police Force to clamp down on misinformation and threats of violence, particularly on social media platforms. The police warned that impersonation of security personnel is a serious offense and that anyone found engaging in such acts would face strict legal consequences.

Officials confirmed that charges are being prepared against Hussaini, and he is expected to be arraigned in court soon. His arrest serves as a warning to others who might consider using digital platforms to provoke unrest or incite violent retaliation.

The police concluded their statement by urging citizens to report suspicious activity and support law enforcement efforts aimed at preserving peace and stability across all regions.