Police warn against spreading f@lsehoods, deny witch-hunting critics
The Nigerian Police Force has issued a warning to citizens about the dangers of spreading f@lse information online.
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In a video statement released by the Force Public Relations Officer, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the police revealed the seriousness of the cr!me, stressing that disinformation, mal-information, and fact distortion are not only h@rmful but cr!minal offenses under Nigerian law.
Adejobi’s warning comes as a response to the growing trend of f@ke news and unverified information circulating on social media platforms and blogs.
Speaking via the Nigerian Police Force’s official X (formerly Twitter) account on Saturday, he made it clear that individuals, especially bloggers, journalists, and content creators, must exercise caution when sharing information.
He urged them to verify their facts thoroughly before publishing, emphasizing that the spread of misinformation is a legal violation that can result in serious consequences.
“Spreading f@lsehoods, disinformation, mal-information, distortion or facts or the likes online is a criminal offense,” Adejobi said.
He further advised anyone engaging with or distributing information to ensure that it is accurate and well-verified before publication.
This is particularly important in an age where digital platforms have become a primary source of news and information for many people.
While the police have been criticized for their enforcement of the Cybercrime Act of 2024, Adejobi clarified that the Force was not targeting government critics or opposition voices.
He categorically stated that no individual has been arrested or charged merely for criticizing the government or the Inspector General of Police. Instead, the police have focused their efforts on prosecuting those deliberately spreading f@lse information.
“We have not charged or arrested anybody for criticizing the government, criticizing the IG of police,” Adejobi clarified, reinforcing the idea that the police are only concerned with those disseminating lies, not those voicing legitimate concerns.
