Video of alleged harassment, robbery at traffic not in Nigeria – I-G

The Inspector-General of Police (I-G), Mr Olukayode Egbetokun says the video being circulated on social media of alleged harassment and robbery at traffic did not occur in Nigeria.

The I-G, in a statement by the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, on Thursday in Abuja, ordered the police to fish out the individual or group that circulated the false video, for prosecution.

The video showed motorists at a traffic stop point being harassed and robbed by five individuals.

According to him, 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.

Egbetokun added that the video was originally posted by an individual from South Africa on April 22 on X social media platform, with the caption suggesting that it was dangerous to travel in Ethiopia without a handgun.

The I-G said the video was reposted by some mischief makers who alleged that the incident happened in Abuja to misinform the public.

He said the target was to cause grave panic in the Federal Capital Territory and its environs and send a wrong and counterproductive signal across the country.

Egbetokun, therefore, ordered for a comprehensive investigation to identify the individual or group responsible for falsely claiming that the incident took place in Nigeria.

According to him, once identified, appropriate legal actions will be taken to sanction those involved.

The I-G enjoined the public to exercise caution and verify the authenticity of videos and news before circulating on social media platforms.

He emphasised the importance of accurate information dissemination to avoid posting misleading contents could cause unnecessary fear and panic.