The Commissioner of Police, Anambra State Command, CP Ikioye Orutugu, has cautioned social media influencer Martins Vincent Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan, against making statements or taking actions that could incite tension or disrupt public peace in the state.
The warning follows a decision by the family of the late Mr. Ifesinachi Onyekere, Managing Director of Fish Magnet outlet, to publicly distance themselves from any candlelight procession or memorial gathering being organized in his name. The family appealed for privacy as they mourn, urging the public to allow them to grieve while trusting the authorities to handle the matter
This is coming in the wake of heightened social media commentary and calls for public gatherings in honour of the late Ifesinachi Onyekesi, the Managing Director of Fish Magnet outlet, who was recently kidnapped and gruesomely murdered by yet-to-be-identified gunmen, and whose death has continued to generate reactions among Nigerian youth, especially on digital platforms.
The unfortunate incident has also attracted condemnation from good-spirited individuals and netizens, including VeryDarkMan, who publicly mourned his demise and announced plans to organize a candlelight procession for him in Awka, Anambra State capital on Tuesday, starting at 3.pm.
However, in a press release issued to news on Tuesday by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, on behalf of the Commissioner of Police, CP Ikioye Orutugu fwc MNIPS PhD, the Command warned that no individual, regardless of social standing or online influence, will be allowed to disrupt the peace currently enjoyed in the state.
The Police clarified that the family of the deceased has publicly dissociated itself from any such procession, stressing their desire to mourn in private and allow law enforcement authorities to carry out their investigations.
CP Orutugu stressed that Anambra State remains one of the most peaceful states in the region, thanks to the sustained efforts of security agencies in collaboration with stakeholders. He warned that no individual, regardless of social standing, would be allowed to disrupt the state’s peace and security architecture.
“The police commissioner advised residents and visitors to go about their lawful activities without fear, assuring that the command remains committed to maintaining law and order. He also urged social media users and public figures to exercise restraint, avoid spreading misinformation, and refrain from making inciting remarks.
The command further warned that anyone found undermining public peace whether online or offline would face the full weight of the law