The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has debunked the alleged robbery at traffic stop point in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja few days ago.
In the video that circulated on social media, motorists were being attacked and dispossessed by armed individuals, which was said to be in Abuja.
However, the NPF in a statement issued by its Public Relations Officer (PRO), ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi on Thursday revealed that the incident happened in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia upon a thorough digital forensics analysis.
“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 disinform 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,” the statement reads in part.
While commenting on the disinformation, the Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun ordered a comprehensive investigation to identify the individual or group responsible for falsely claiming that the incident took place in Nigeria.
“Once identified, appropriate legal actions will be taken to sanction those involved,” IGP Egbetokun stressed.
He re-emphasised the importance of accurate information dissemination – and urged the public to exercise caution and verify the authenticity of videos and news circulating on social media platforms.
The IGP noted that 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.
