Reverend Olu Martins, the Deputy Director-General (Media) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship campaign organization in Edo State, has been arrested and charged with making inflammatory and inciting statements.

During a press briefing in Benin City on Tuesday, Edo State Police Commissioner, CP Funsho Adegboye, revealed that Martins’ statements, which were captured in a viral video, had the potential to incite violence.

“Recently, a viral video surfaced showing Rev. Olu Martins making statements that could escalate tensions during the election campaign in the state,” Adegboye said. “He was invited to serve as a deterrent to others with similar behaviors, and we have decided to resolve the matter in court.”

The Commissioner urged political actors in the state to adhere to established rules and regulations, emphasizing that election campaigns should be conducted in a manner that encourages participation and does not incite violence or criminal behavior.

“Electioneering processes should be glamorous, interesting, and encourage well-educated and aspiring politicians,” Adegboye continued. “They should not create tensions or promote criminal behavior.”

He also warned that the police would not hesitate to take decisive action against any politician who violates the law, regardless of their status. “There will be no sacred cows. Inciting violence is a serious crime under the criminal codes and electoral acts,” he said. “All politicians and their supporters should avoid statements that could unnecessarily inflame the environment.”

Reverend Olu Martins was arraigned at the state criminal court and granted bail. In the viral video, Martins was seen calling for the vandalism of opposition campaign materials and threatening those opposing the PDP candidate. He allegedly instructed Engineer David Olukoga, the Director of Operations for the Edo state-owned security network, to attack anyone who did not support the PDP and its candidate.

Following the release of the video, Jaret Tenebe, the State Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), issued a statement calling on the Inspector-General of Police and the Department of State Security Service to arrest the PDP governorship campaign spokesman.