- The actions of the 38-year-old are deemed to be injurious to the reputation of the police and capable of creating public discontent
One Destiny Ekhorutomuen has been apprehended by the police for disseminating fake news and seditious content on social media.
The suspect was arrested on Wednesday by the National Cyber Crime Centre in Uhunmwonde Local Government Area of Edo State.
The actions of the 38-year-old are deemed to be injurious to the reputation of the police and capable of creating public discontent.
Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Muyiwa Adejobi, disclosed the development in a statement on Friday.
“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 peddling of lies, 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.
“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.
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.
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