The Nigeria Police Force has arrested a 38-year-old man, Destiny Ekhorutomuen, for allegedly using social media platforms to spread false and inciting content intended to damage the reputation of the police and provoke public discontent.
Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Muyiwa Adejobi, revealed this in a statement on Friday, stating that the arrest was made by 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 expressed concerns over the deliberate spread of falsehoods, describing it as a threat to national stability, societal cohesion, and public trust.
“This deliberate spread of falsehoods erodes public trust, undermines societal cohesion, and poses significant risks to national security,” the statement read.
Adejobi emphasised that the police have zero tolerance for such actions, warning that the misuse of social media to propagate fake news or incite disorder is a criminal offence punishable under Nigerian law.
He urged Nigerians to exercise caution and responsibility in their use of information.
“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,” he added.
