The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has debunked a false claim circulating on X (formerly Twitter), emphasizing its commitment to transparency and the fight against misinformation.
The claim, made by one Mr. Adamu Garba Zango, a lecturer at Baze University, alleged that a Deputy Commissioner of Police in Kaduna State was arrested for supplying firearms to bandits.
To substantiate his claim, Mr. Zango shared an image purportedly of the officer in question.
In a statement issued today, the NPF clarified that the individual in the shared image is not a member of the Force.
The man, identified as Kingsley Udoyen, was arrested by the Akwa Ibom State Police Command on January 2, 2019, for impersonating an Assistant Commissioner of Police.
Investigations revealed that Udoyen had been using a fake police rank to defraud and intimidate unsuspecting victims. Items recovered from his residence included an unlicensed pistol and portraits of various police ranks.
The Police further stated that there is no link between the Kaduna State Police Command and the allegations made by Mr. Zango.
Describing the claims as baseless and misleading, the Force condemned the act of spreading unverified information, noting that it damages public trust and the integrity of the Police.
Speaking on the matter, the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, urged the public to fact-check information before sharing it on social media.
He warned that spreading false information violates defamation and cybercrime laws, adding that the Police may take legal action against individuals or groups involved in such acts.
“The Nigeria Police Force remains committed to transparency, accountability, and justice. We urge Nigerians to verify information from credible sources before disseminating it. Misinformation not only harms the image of the Police but also undermines public safety,” ACP Adejobi stated.
The public is encouraged to follow the NPF’s official social media channels for accurate and timely updates:
X (formerly Twitter): @PoliceNG
Instagram: @nigeriapoliceforce
Facebook: @ngpolice
YouTube: @PoliceNG
TikTok: @ngpolice
This clarification underscores the Nigeria Police Force’s unwavering stance against misinformation and its commitment to fostering trust with the public.
LV