Don’t incite tensions in Anambra: Police warn VDM over planned candlelight procession for Fish Magnet

By BARBARA KALU, Awka –

Anambra State Police Command has issued a stern warning to social media influencer Martins Otse, popularly known as Very Dark Man (VDM), against causing a breach of peace in the state.

This warning comes after VDM planned a candlelight procession in honor of the late Managing Director of Fish Magnet outlet, Ifesinachi Onyekere, (Fish Magnet), who was abducted and murdered by suspected gunmen in Awka.

Commissioner of Police Ikioye Orutugu warned VDM “against making statements or taking actions capable of inciting tension or breaching public peace within the state”.

The police emphasized that the family of the late Onyekere has publicly dissociated itself from the planned candlelight procession or any memorial gathering in his name.

“The family of the late Onyekere has pleaded that it should be allowed to grieve privately, while trusting the authorities to do their work to fish out the suspects behind the dastardly act,” the Police Public Relations Officer SP Tochukwu Ikenga, quoted Orutugu as saying.

This according to him indicates the family’s desire for privacy during their time of grief.

The police command highlighted that Anambra remains one of the most peaceful states in the region, thanks to the efforts of the police and other security agencies working with critical stakeholders.

“No individual, regardless of social status, would be allowed to disrupt the existing peace and security architecture of the state”.

SP Ikenga advised social media users and public figures to “exercise restraint and avoid spreading misinformation or making inciting remarks that could cause breach of peace in the state”.

The command warned that anyone found undermining public peace, whether online or offline, would face the full weight of the law.

NATIONAL ACCORD learnt that despite the warning, reports indicate that VDM went ahead with the candlelight procession in defiance of the police warning.