38-Year-Old Arrested for Spreading False and Inciting Content on Social Media

The Nigeria Police Force has apprehended a 38-year-old man, Destiny Ekhorutomuen, in connection with the spread of false and inciting content intended to harm the reputation of the police and stir public discontent.

The arrest was carried out by the National Cyber Crime Centre in Uhunmwonde Local Government Area, Edo State, on December 8, 2024, according to a statement issued by the Force’s Public Relations Officer, ACP Muyiwa Adejobi.

Ekhorutomuen, who is accused of using social media platforms to disseminate harmful misinformation, allegedly created and operated multiple online accounts for the sole purpose of spreading content designed to provoke hostility toward the Nigeria Police Force.

The statement emphasized the severity of the suspect’s actions, which were seen as an effort to destabilize public trust in the country’s law enforcement agencies.

“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 Nigeria Police expressed deep concern about the deliberate spread of misinformation, noting that it poses a threat to national stability, societal cohesion, and public trust.

The police believe such actions can undermine security and create unrest, which could have far-reaching consequences for the country’s governance and peace.

“The deliberate spread of falsehoods erodes public trust, undermines societal cohesion, and poses significant risks to national security,” the police statement read.

“This behaviour is not only dangerous but also a clear violation of the law, which we will not tolerate.”

The police reiterated their firm stance on the issue, with ACP Adejobi making it clear that the misuse of social media to incite disorder or spread fake news is a criminal offense under Nigerian law.

He further emphasized that those who engage in such activities will face serious consequences, underlining the law enforcement’s commitment to upholding security and order in the country.

“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,” Adejobi stated. “We are committed to ensuring that those who seek to disrupt peace or mislead the public face justice.”

The police spokesperson also urged Nigerians to exercise caution and responsibility in their use of social media and information, reminding citizens that the collective peace and unity of the nation depend on responsible actions both online and offline.

“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.

The arrest of Destiny Ekhorutomuen serves as a stern warning to individuals who use digital platforms to manipulate public sentiment or tarnish the image of government institutions, with authorities promising a continued crackdown on such activities.