(DDM) – In a decisive move to curb misinformation, the Akwa Ibom State Police Command has apprehended a 15-year-old student alongside two other individuals for allegedly fabricating and spreading fake news across the state.
Diaspora Digital Media (DDM) gathered that the arrested student, Favour Emenyi, a pupil of Mary Hanney Secondary School, Oron, was taken into custody along with Lexis Christopher and Stephen Okwen after police investigations linked them to the deliberate dissemination of false information on social media platforms.
The arrests were announced in a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, Timfon John, following a strategic security meeting convened by the Akwa Ibom Commissioner of Police, Mohammed Azare.
According to the statement, the trio’s actions had the potential to cause public panic and disrupt peace in the state. The Commissioner of Police expressed deep concern over the growing circulation of fake news, particularly on social media, noting that such misinformation could seriously undermine community trust and stability.
“The Commissioner condemned the rising circulation of fake news and misinformation, especially on social media, which has the potential to create panic and undermine the existing peace in the state,” the statement read. “He has directed that persons involved in the deliberate spread of falsehood be identified and prosecuted.”
The police confirmed that the suspects would be prosecuted in court, emphasizing that the legal action is meant to serve as a deterrent to others who may attempt to circulate similar false information. Authorities warned residents that spreading misinformation is a serious offense and that the command would continue to enforce the law to maintain public safety.
Security sources revealed that the police have increased surveillance of social media activities and are actively monitoring accounts that frequently share unverified or misleading content. This initiative is part of a broader effort by the state to ensure that residents have access to accurate and reliable information.
In addition to enforcement, the Commissioner of Police urged Akwa Ibom residents to remain law-abiding and report any suspicious activities promptly to security agencies. He highlighted that cooperation between citizens and law enforcement is crucial to maintaining peace and order in the state.
Experts note that misinformation and fake news have become global challenges, with social media platforms often serving as conduits for rapid spread. In Nigeria, incidents like this highlight the need for vigilance, digital literacy, and responsible sharing of information among young people and the public at large.
The Akwa Ibom police’s action demonstrates a firm stance against the misuse of social media, underscoring the importance of law enforcement in safeguarding public peace and preventing societal disruption. The state authorities are expected to continue monitoring digital platforms while educating the youth about the dangers of spreading fake news.