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| Former Ubungo Mayor Boniface Jacob. Photo: File |
By Adonis Byemelwa
In a dramatic twist that has sent shockwaves through Tanzanian politics, Boniface Jacob, a prominent member of the opposition party Chadema, was detained by police in Dar es Salaam. The arrest unfolded late yesterday, 18th September 2024, afternoon and has already sparked widespread debate and concern.
According to Chadema's Director of Protocol and Foreign Communications, John Mrema, Jacob was apprehended around 11:09 PM in the Sinza area by a group of individuals identifying themselves as police officers.
The arresting team included two officers in uniform and three others in plain clothes, armed and operating with apparent force. Jacob was taken to the Oysterbay Police Station.
Mrema disclosed that Jacob was seized under highly irregular circumstances, noting that the police operation was conducted with unusual aggression and secrecy.
He revealed that, in addition to the arrest, the police are currently searching for Jacob's home, with Chadema's legal team closely monitoring the situation.
The news of Jacob's arrest quickly spread across social media, where initial reports suggested a possible abduction. Fatma Karume, a prominent lawyer and activist, took to X (formerly Twitter) to highlight the gravity of the situation.
She emphasized that the presence of several motorcycles escorting the vehicle used in Jacob's arrest almost allowed the operation to go unnoticed.
She expressed her dismay at the method of his apprehension, likening it to "an eagle snatching a snake" and noting the stark contrast with the usual legal procedures previously followed when Jacob was summoned.
DCP David Misime, the Police Spokesperson, confirmed Jacob's detention, stating that he is being held on criminal charges and dismissing claims of abduction as false.
Misime reassured the public that Jacob’s detention was per the law and described the widespread misinformation on social media as baseless.
Jacob, a former mayor of Ubungo, is well-known for his outspoken activism and recent legal troubles. Earlier this year, he faced court charges related to the dissemination of false information and was also noted for his role in exposing a case of brutality involving a young woman.
The public and media eagerly await additional details regarding the charges against Boniface Jacob and the specifics of his arrest. The dramatic nature of his detention has intensified scrutiny and speculation, with many questioning the legality and motives behind the police action.
Analysts and activists alike are calling for transparency and accountability, underscoring the need for clear explanations from the authorities to address mounting concerns and ensure justice is upheld.