Mr. Olukayode Egbetokun, the Inspector-General of Police (I-G), has directed the arrest of individuals or groups responsible for circulating a misleading video depicting a traffic harassment and robbery incident falsely attributed to Nigeria for prosecution.
The video purportedly showed motorists being harassed and robbed by five individuals at a traffic stop, but investigations have revealed it actually occurred in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. The announcement came through a statement issued by the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, in Abuja on Thursday.
After rigorous digital forensics analysis by the NPF-National Cyber Crime Centre (NPF-NCCC), it was confirmed that the video was initially posted by an individual from South Africa on April 22, with a misleading caption insinuating danger in Ethiopia without a handgun. Mischief makers later reposted the video, falsely claiming it happened in Abuja, aiming to instill panic and misinformation.
Egbetokun stressed the necessity of a thorough investigation to identify and sanction those behind the false attribution to Nigeria. He urged the public to exercise caution and verify the authenticity of videos and news before sharing them on social media platforms, emphasizing the importance of accurate information dissemination to prevent unwarranted fear and panic.
