By: Quadri Yahya
The Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun on Wednesday issued “a stern warning against the spread of fake news via various media platforms”.
The police chief on Wednesday issued the warning at a virtual meeting with senior police officers across the country ahead of the August nationwide protest.
Some citizens have announced a nationwide protest against an unbearable cost of living crisis which has been affecting average Nigerians.
Prior to the IGP’s warning against the spread of fake news on social media, FactCheckAfrica has reported its observations on how online misinformation could affect the demonstration.
However, in a statement signed by ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the force spokesperson, the police chief “issued a stern warning against the spread of fake news via various media platforms charging officers to put in necessary emplacements to manage this, and advising members of the public to shun the spread of unverified contents on social media. The IGP also warned against unplanned protests and unnecessary street processions, which can disrupt public order and safety, reiterating that confined protests are best in this situation to prevent destruction of public infrastructures and other properties.”
IGP Egbetokun also encouraged the police officers to be deployed to “be vigilant to prevent any group from hijacking such events to incite violence”, while calling on “all senior officers to remain steadfast in their commitment to service, emphasizing that their leadership is crucial in navigating the challenges ahead.”
