The Inspector-General of Police (IGP) crack team has arrested a suspect, identified as Ifechukwu Dennis, for allegedly creating and circulating a fake audio recording falsely attributed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The arrest was disclosed on Thursday by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, through his official social media account.
According to Onanuga, the suspect was apprehended in Benin City after investigations linked him to the manipulated audio recording, which was allegedly presented to members of the public as the authentic voice of President Tinubu.
“The IGP crack team has arrested Ifechukwu Dennis who originated the fake voice that he passed on to his gullible targets as President Tinubu’s voice. Dennis was arrested in Benin,” Onanuga stated, noting that the Nigeria Police Force would provide further details in an official statement.
The fake audio had earlier generated widespread reactions on social media, with users debating its authenticity before authorities moved to debunk it.
The incident also attracted attention following commentary by social media personality Martins Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan, who discussed the viral recording as public interest in the matter grew.
The Presidency had previously dismissed the audio as fabricated and cautioned Nigerians against spreading unverified content, describing the recording as a deliberate attempt to mislead the public and erode confidence in official communication channels.
Police authorities are expected to release additional information regarding the investigation, including possible charges against the suspect and whether other individuals were involved in the alleged operation.
The Nigeria Police Force has consistently warned that the creation and dissemination of false information, particularly content targeting public officials and institutions, may constitute offences under relevant cybercrime and related laws.
