Police Arrest Content Creator for Alleged Spread of Fake News, Disinformation, Warns Bloggers To Fact Check Their Claims

...  Restates Commitment to National Peace and Security

In a bid to curb the spread of fake news, disinformation, and incitement capable of widening the trust gap between the Police and members of the public who are critical stakeholders in national peace and security, the Nigeria Police Force on Friday has arrested a content creator, one Destiny Ekhorutomuen, a 38-year-old suspect, in Uhunmwonde Local Government Area of Edo State. 

Parading the suspect, the Force Public Relations Officer,  ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi revealed that Destiny was arrested on December 8, 2024 by operatives of the Force He said the suspect has deliberately created his handles on social media pages to intentionally creating content, videos, pictures to incite the general public against the government by sharing fake information. The police is not after those who criticize the government genuinely

Adejobi added that Destiny have been involved in many spread of fake news, false information, inciting members of the public against the government, side of us talking and criminal information. 

"The Nigerian police force has taken it upon itself and taken the bull by the horn in covering the spread of fake news, disinformation, misinformation, falsehood in eating off the property and of course discrediting the Nigerian government, Nigerian nation and the Nigerian police force in general.

"As a journalist, as a blogger, if you have anything to write against the government, verify your facts. Get your facts or data accurate, nobody's against that. But for you to engage in any deliberate acts to create content, spread falsehood, just to target the government or its institutions, particularly the police will not be accepted because it's a criminal offense and it remains criminal.

"We want to send this note of warning again to those who are content creators, bloggers or what people say emergency journalists online to always be very careful because the laws  of the land prescribe these acts. Our laws have described them as criminal. They remain criminal and punishable under the law.

The NPF has vowed to go after those who are dangerous individuals who are bent on spreading fake news to run down the system, to create fears in the minds of Nigerians, to jeopardize our security arrangements and of course cause brawl in any part of this country. 

"Let us make use of our online platforms, social media platforms objectively and positively to assist the government, to assist our society and our communities, to assist the police and law enforcement agencies to actually carry out their mandates as expected of them." he said

Interrogating the suspect, Destiny Ekhorutomuen confessed to be ignorant of the law and claimed he received his contents and facts from online news blogs and social media updates. 

The Nigeria Police reiterates its zero tolerance for acts aimed at threatening the nation’s stability or tarnishing the reputation of the police and other government institutions. This deliberate spread of falsehoods erodes public trust, undermines societal cohesion, and poses significant risks to national security. 

The Nigeria Police Force strongly warns against the misuse of social media and other communication platforms to propagate fake news or incite disorder. Such acts are criminal and punishable under the law. Citizens are urged to exercise caution and responsibility in their use of information, as the collective peace and unity of the nation depend on it.

The NPF reassures the public of its unwavering commitment to upholding law and order. It will continue to identify and prosecute individuals or groups engaging in activities that threaten Nigeria’s peace and security.

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