Jinja, Uganda | URN | A team of detectives has been dispatched to expedite inquiries into the motive of Arsenal fans, who were earlier on Monday 23, January 2023 arrested for staging an illegal procession and are still in detention.
The Kiira regional police spokesperson, James Mubi told journalists that the group of eight arsenal fans was led by Felix Bagiire alias Shamlove, who is a music show host at Baba FM.
They were arrested on Monday 23rd morning for staging a procession to celebrate Arsenal’s 3-2 victory against Manchester United on Sunday 22, January 2023.
Prior to their arrest, Bagiire told journalists that Arsenal’s win against Manchester United was key in strengthening their English premier league table lead, with 50 points, with Manchester City in second position.
Bagiire also noted that since Arsenal last won the English premier league trophy close to 19 years ago, during the 2003/2004 season, the second leg win was a reason for the fans to celebrate their increasing chances to lift the trophy.
Another suspect who spoke on condition of anonymity says that they made a bet with Manchester fans, which would culminate into a celebratory procession, if Arsenal won Sunday’s game and their act was to fulfill this target.
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“It is true, we are happy that Arsenal is performing really well, but today’s procession was a clear message to Manchester fans and we hired two vehicles, wore brand new Arsenal jerseys, before flocking Jinja city streets with triumphal celebrations but only to be met with police resistance,” he said.
On his part, Mubi argued that Arsenal has been wining games in the season and detectives became suspicious why the suspects chose to celebrate Sunday’s victory.
Mubi also says that in the course of police interrogation, the rest of the suspects lacked basic information about Arsenal and the English premier league in general, save for Bagiire, raising suspicion over possibility of sinister motives.
Mubi added that the suspects are being charged with organizing an illegal assembly and they have been detained at Jinja central police station awaiting prosecution.
Meanwhile, Police have detained one of the eight Arsenal FC fans for the alleged theft of UGX 180 million.
The eight took to different streets in Jinja city to celebrate Arsenal FC’s 3-2 victory against Manchester United FC in the English premier league on Sunday.
The Kiira Region Police Commander, Richard Okullu, says that they resolved to release seven of the suspects with caution. Patrick Mubi, the Kiira Region Police Spokesperson, says that police decided to retain Dennis Waahe because he was on the police wanted list for the theft of Shillings 180 million.
“Dennis has been on the police’s wanted list for the past six months over the theft of 180 Million Shillings from Iganga district mid-last year,” he said. He dismissed claims that they had detained Waahe for being an Arsenal fan.
Following the arrest, Felix Bagiire, the leader of the arsenal fan, says that once their team wins this English premier league title their committee will liaise with the police to organize befitting celebrations in Bugembe stadium.
