Kaduna State Police Command has issued a formal clarification following the circulation of a viral video showing a young man breaching a restricted area during President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s recent official visit to Kaduna.
In a press statement signed by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, DSP Mansir Hassan, said police identified the individual as Umar Mohammed, a resident of Anguwan Muazu in Kaduna. According to them Umar is mentally challenged, having been born with psychiatric disorders. Despite his condition, he was screened and admitted into Murtala Square as a supporter of the All Progressives Congress (APC), wearing party-branded attire and holding banners in support of both the President and the Governor.
Police say preliminary investigations revealed that Umar was among the crowd of party supporters when he suddenly breached security protocol. He reportedly jumped into the restricted area out of sheer excitement and an emotional urge to catch a closer glimpse of the President. Security operatives quickly intercepted and arrested him.
Upon interrogation, Umar confessed that his actions were driven by anxiety and longstanding admiration for the President and the Governor. A thorough search conducted on him showed he carried no weapons or dangerous materials.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Rabiu Muhammad, has warned against the politicization of the incident, emphasizing that the viral footage was doctored and misrepresented to create unnecessary panic and confusion. He stressed that the matter is still under investigation, and individuals found spreading falsehoods for political gain will be identified, invited for questioning, and prosecuted if found guilty.
The Command called on members of the public to exercise restraint and verify information before sharing it, especially on sensitive security issues.
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