The Inspector-General of Police, Olukayode Egbetokun, has disclosed that the video going round on social media depicting alleged harassment and robbery at a traffic stop was not recorded in Nigeria.
This clarification was provided in a statement by the Force Public Relations Officer, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, via his social media handle on Thursday.
The statement disclosed that the Inspector-General has directed the police to identify and prosecute the individuals or groups responsible for circulating the false video.
In the video which has since gone viral, motorists at a traffic stop were seen being harassed and robbed by five individuals.
However, the police said that after 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 read, “The Nigeria Police Force wishes to address the recent circulation of a video on social media, where motorists at a traffic stop point were being harassed and robbed by armed individuals, purporting to depict an incident that occurred in Abuja, Nigeria.
“After conducting a thorough digital forensics analysis, the NPF-National Cyber Crime Centre (NPF-NCCC) has determined that the incident actually took place 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, and thereby caused grave panic amongst residents in the Federal Capital, and its environs; and sent a wrong signal across the country which is counterproductive to our national safety and integrity.”
Adejobi said 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 re-emphasizes the importance of accurate information dissemination and urges the public to exercise caution 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 steadfast in combating all forms of misinformation and disinformation in its quest to ensure public safety and security.”
