Police Arrest Destiny Ekhorutomuen for Alleged Spread of Fake News on Social Media
The Nigerian Police Force has apprehended 38-year-old Destiny Ekhorutomuen for allegedly disseminating false and provocative information on social media, aimed at tarnishing the reputation of the police and inciting unrest.
Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Muyiwa Adejobi, disclosed this in a statement on Friday, noting that the arrest occurred in the Uhunmwonde Local Government Area of Edo State, facilitated by the National Cyber Crime Centre.
Ekhorutomuen was taken into custody on December 8, 2024, for allegedly managing several social media accounts to spread misleading and inflammatory content designed to stir public hostility against the Nigerian Police.
Adejobi expressed concern over the growing trend of spreading misinformation, emphasizing the dangers it poses to national stability, public trust, and social harmony.
“This deliberate spread of false information undermines public confidence, threatens social unity, and could jeopardize national security,” the statement read.
The police force made it clear that such actions will not be tolerated, stressing that using social media to circulate fake news or incite public disorder is a criminal act punishable under Nigerian law.
“The Nigeria Police firmly maintains a zero tolerance policy towards any efforts aimed at destabilizing the nation or damaging the reputation of the police and other government institutions,” Adejobi stated.
He also called on Nigerians to be more responsible when sharing information, stressing that the peace and unity of the country depend on it.
