The Inspector-General of Police, Olukayode Egbetokun, clarified that the video being shared on social media showing alleged harassment and robbery at a traffic stop did not occur in Nigeria.
This clarification was given in a statement by the Force Public Relations Officer, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, through his social media account on Thursday.
The statement revealed that the Inspector-General has instructed the police to find and prosecute the individuals or groups responsible for spreading the false video.
In the video that has become widely circulated, drivers at a traffic stop were seen being harassed and robbed by five people.
However, the police stated that following a thorough digital forensics analysis conducted by the NPF-National Cyber Crime Centre (NPF-NCCC), it was determined that the incident took place in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
The statement stated, “The Nigeria Police Force wants to address the recent sharing of a video on social media, where drivers at a traffic stop were being harassed and robbed by armed individuals, purportedly showing an incident that occurred in Abuja, Nigeria.
“After carrying out a thorough digital forensics analysis, the NPF-National Cyber Crime Centre (NPF-NCCC) has determined that the incident actually occurred in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
“The video, which was originally posted by an individual from South Africa on the 22nd of April 2024 on X social media platform, with the caption suggesting that it is dangerous to travel in Ethiopia without a handgun, was reposted by some mischief makers who alleged that the incident happened in Abuja in order to misinform the public, leading to panic among residents in the Federal Capital and its surroundings; and sending a wrong signal across the country, which is counterproductive to our national safety and integrity.”
Adejobi stated that the IG has ordered a comprehensive investigation to identify the individual or group responsible for falsely claiming that the incident took place in Nigeria.
The statement added, “Once identified, appropriate legal actions will be taken to sanction those involved.
“The Inspector General of Police hereby stresses the importance of accurate information dissemination and urges the public to be cautious and verify the authenticity of videos and news circulating on social media platforms, as all forms of misleading content can cause unnecessary fear and panic among the populace.
“He also reiterated that the Police remain resolute in combating all forms of misinformation and disinformation in its efforts to ensure public safety and security.”
False Alarm: Video of Alleged Robbery At Traffic Not In Nigeria, Says IG
The Inspector-General of Police, Olukayode Egbetokun, has clarified that the video circulating on social media depicting alleged harassment and robbery at a traffic stop was not recorded in Nigeria.
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