The Nigeria Police Force has acted quickly in response to the growing problem of fake news and disinformation, apprehending a suspect for allegedly disseminating false and inflammatory content on social media.
Destiny Ekhorutomuen, 38, was arrested on December 8, 2024, by Edo State operatives in the Uhunmwonde Local Government Area. Ekhorutomuen is accused of spreading false information via several social media profiles in order to incite enmity toward the Nigeria Police Force.
The police have emphasized their commitment to maintaining national peace and security, stressing that the circulation of false information erodes public trust, undermines social cohesion, and poses serious challenges to national stability. The Nigeria Police Force highlighted that it will not tolerate any actions that endanger the nation’s integrity or destroy the name of law enforcement and other government institutions.
The Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, released a statement warning that using social media and communication platforms to promote fake news or incite violence is a criminal act punishable by law. Citizens were asked to use information responsibly and act in ways that promote national unity and peace.
The Nigeria Police Force restated its commitment to finding and punishing individuals or organizations engaging in actions that endanger the country’s security, promising to continue its efforts to maintain peace and order throughout Nigeria.