By Richard Anyebe
The Nigeria Police Force has dismissed as false and misleading, a video of alleged robbery at traffic stop point where motorists were being harassed and robbed by armed individuals, purporting to depict an incident that occurred in Abuja, Nigeria.
The Force in a statement by its Spokesman, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi on Thursday, said 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.
ACP Adejobi noted that 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.
According to him, the video was reposted by some “mischief makers” who alleged that the incident happened in Abuja in order to disinform the public.
He added that, that caused grave panic amongst residents in the Federal Capital, and its environs; and sent a wrong signal across the country which is counterproductive to national safety and integrity.
“In response to this disinformation, the Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, has ordered a comprehensive investigation to identify the individual or group responsible for falsely claiming that the incident took place in Nigeria,” the statement reads.
“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 contents can cause unnecessary fear and panic among the populace.
“He also reiterated that the Police remains steadfast in combating all forms of misinformation and disinformation in its quest to ensuring public safety and security.”