- Safiu Kehinde
The Nigerian Police Force has nabbed a 38-year-old man, Destiny Ekhorutomuen, over alleged spread of disinformation against the Force.
This was disclosed in a statement issued on Friday by the Force spokesperson, Olumuyiwa Adejobi.
According to the statement, Destiny was arrested on the 8th of December 2024 at Uhunmwonde Local Government Area of Edo State.
He was alleged to have created multiple social media accounts to disseminate false and inciting content aimed at provoking the public against the Nigeria Police.
Reiterating zero tolerance for the act, the Force held that deliberate spread of falsehoods erodes public trust, undermines societal cohesion, and poses significant risks to national security.
It warned members of the public against the misuse of social media and other communication platforms to propagate fake news or incite disorder, noting that it is a criminal offence and punishable under the law.
The statement read in part; “The Nigeria Police Force has taken decisive action 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. On December 8, 2024, operatives of the Force apprehended one Destiny Ekhorutomuen, a 38-year-old suspect, in Uhunmwonde Local Government Area of Edo State.
“The suspect allegedly created and operated multiple social media accounts to disseminate false and inciting content aimed at provoking the public against the Nigeria Police.
“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.
“In this regard, 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.”