Godsent Ogbebor
The Nigeria Police Force has apprehended a 38-year-old man, Destiny Ekhorutomuen, for allegedly using social media to disseminate false and inflammatory content aimed at tarnishing the reputation of the police and inciting public discontent.
The Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Muyiwa Adejobi, disclosed this in a statement on Friday, noting that the arrest was carried out by operatives of the National Cyber Crime Centre in Uhunmwonde Local Government Area of Edo State.
“On 8 December 2024, operatives of the Force apprehended 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 spread false and inciting content designed to provoke the public against the Nigeria Police,” Adejobi said.
The police described the deliberate dissemination of falsehoods as a grave threat to public trust, societal cohesion, and national security.
“This deliberate spread of falsehoods erodes public trust, undermines societal cohesion, and poses significant risks to national security,” the statement emphasized.
Adejobi reiterated the Nigeria Police Force’s zero tolerance for actions aimed at destabilizing the nation or discrediting government institutions.
“The misuse of social media to propagate fake news or incite disorder is a criminal offence punishable under Nigerian law. 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,” he said.
The police urged citizens to act responsibly when sharing information online and avoid being conduits for misinformation or divisive narratives.
Adejobi concluded that 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.
