‘Niko Kadi’ mobiliser Allans Ademba was reportedly arrested on Thursday while covering the Ol Kalou parliamentary by-election, with police citing concerns over alleged incitement through his social media posts.
According to officers involved in the operation, Ademba was taken into custody as authorities investigated posts they claimed could inflame tensions during the by-election.
Police Cite Alleged Incitement Concerns
Police said the activist was being questioned over social media content they believed had the potential to incite members of the public.
An officer involved in the operation stated that the move was intended to prevent possible unrest during the election.
“The posts he is making may lead to a problem. It is a mitigation,” the officer said.
Authorities added that they were engaging Ademba as they determined the appropriate course of action.
Ademba Says He Was Taken to Ol Kalou DCI Offices
In a post on his X account, Ademba confirmed that he had been apprehended and taken to the Ol Kalou Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) offices.
“I’ve been arrested. Niko Ol Kalau DCI…”
He did not immediately provide further details regarding the circumstances of the arrest or indicate whether he had been formally charged.
Claims Over Voting Restrictions
Before his reported arrest, Ademba had been posting updates from Ol Kalou, including photographs and videos from polling stations.
He alleged that only voters who participated in the 2022 General Election were being allowed to cast ballots in the by-election.
According to one of his posts:
“Ol Kalau residents have turned out in large numbers to vote. NOTE: Only those who voted in 2022 are being allowed to vote. The newly registered voters are not allowed to vote as per the IEBC Rules.”
He also shared a video at around 7:37 am showing what appeared to be voters queuing at the AIC polling station.
The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) had not immediately responded publicly to the claims at the time of publication.
Tight Security During By-Election
The Ol Kalou parliamentary by-election is being conducted under heightened security, with more than 1,000 police officers deployed across the constituency to maintain law and order.
The increased security presence is intended to ensure a peaceful voting process and prevent any disruptions during the exercise.
Authorities are yet to announce whether Ademba will face any charges as investigations continue.