The Nigeria Police Force has arrested a man identified as Destiny Ekhorutomuen for allegedly posting content on social media aimed at inciting Nigerians against the police. According to the police, the suspect had been using multiple social media accounts to spread fake news and disinformation with the intent to provoke public discontent towards law enforcement authorities. His arrest is part of ongoing efforts to curb the misuse of digital platforms to spread harmful content.
The arrest was carried out by the National Cyber Crime Centre in collaboration with police operatives in Edo State. Ekhorutomuen was apprehended at his residence in Uhunmwonde Local Government Area, where his devices were seized for investigation. Police spokesperson Olumuyiwa Adejobi confirmed that the suspect had been on their radar for some time due to his activities online.
According to the police, the suspect’s posts were deliberately designed to spread false information about the police force and incite the public against officers. This, they said, could lead to unrest and a breakdown of law and order if left unchecked. The authorities stressed the dangers of using social media irresponsibly and warned the public against sharing unverified information.
The police have reiterated that spreading fake news is a criminal offense under Nigerian law. They urged social media users to ensure they verify information before posting, to avoid legal consequences. The police also noted that while freedom of expression is guaranteed, it must be exercised responsibly to maintain public peace and trust in law enforcement.
This incident highlights the increasing challenges posed by the misuse of social media in Nigeria. The government has been making efforts to tackle cybercrime and disinformation, which have become rampant in recent years. Law enforcement agencies have called on the public to assist in identifying individuals who use social media to promote violence, hate speech, or other criminal activities.
