Nigeria Police Force Debunks Viral Falsehood Circulating On Social Media
Princess-Ekwi Ajide
The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has categorically refuted a misleading claim circulating on X (formerly Twitter), calling on the public to exercise caution and verify information before sharing unverified content.
The controversy began when a lecturer at Baze University, Adamu Garba Zango, posted a photograph online, alleging that it depicted a Deputy Commissioner of Police from the Kaduna State Police Command arrested for supplying firearms to bandits and kidnappers.
A statement signed by the Force Public Relations Officer ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, said the image, has been identified as a recycled photo from 2019, bearing no connection to the police officer or the Kaduna Police Command.
He said, according to police investigations, the individual in the image, is one Kingsley Udoyen, a civilian who was arrested by the Akwa Ibom State Police Command in January 2019 for impersonating an Assistant Commissioner of Police.
Udoyen who had been exploiting his fake rank to defraud and intimidate unsuspecting individuals, had upon his arrest, authorities recovered incriminating items, including an English pistol without ammunition and portraits of various police ranks, from his residence.
ACP Adejobi, further said, the Nigeria Police condemned Zango’s baseless claims, describing them as harmful to public trust and the image of the police.
The Force stressed that the Kaduna State Police Command has no connection to the allegations and warned against the circulation of unverified information.
“The spread of falsehood undermines public trust and safety,” the statement read. “Members of the public are urged to verify information from credible sources before sharing. Disseminating such unverified claims could attract legal action under defamation and cybercrime laws.”
The Nigeria Police further reiterated its commitment to transparency and accountability, urging Nigerians to rely on its official social media platforms for accurate updates and information.
For credible information, follow the Nigeria Police Force on:
X (formerly Twitter): @PoliceNG
Instagram: @nigeriapoliceforce
Facebook: @ngpolice
YouTube: @PoliceNG
TikTok: @ngpolice
As the fight against misinformation intensifies, this incident serves as a reminder to embrace fact-checking and responsible digital citizenship to foster trust and ensure public safety.
