TikToker Arrested for Spreading False and Provocative Content Against Nigeria Police Force
ABUJA – The Nigeria Police Force has apprehended a 38-year-old TikToker, Destiny Ekhorutomuen, for allegedly disseminating false and inciting information aimed at tarnishing the Force’s reputation and instigating public unrest. The arrest, carried out on December 8, 2024, by operatives of the National Cyber Crime Centre in Uhunmwonde Local Government Area of Edo State, highlights the police’s growing concern over the spread of misinformation on social media platforms.
According to the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Muyiwa Adejobi, Ekhorutomuen is accused of creating multiple social media accounts specifically to spread false narratives and incite public sentiment against the police. The suspect allegedly resurfaced a debunked 2019 video falsely claiming a Deputy Commissioner of Police was involved in supplying arms to bandits in Kaduna. Despite the police’s previous efforts to debunk this misinformation, Ekhorutomuen allegedly recirculated the video, amplifying its reach and potential to incite public anger.
"This young man, Destiny Ekhorutomuen, made a video and started laying emphasis on this fake information, false information, and fake news," stated ACP Adejobi during a press conference. He emphasized the seriousness of Ekhorutomuen’s actions, particularly his persistent dissemination of the debunked video despite police clarifications. This act, Adejobi explained, not only aimed to damage the reputation of the Nigeria Police Force but also incited public unrest and distrust in law enforcement.
The arrest of Ekhorutomuen serves as a significant example of the Nigeria Police Force’s commitment to combatting the spread of fake news and online misinformation. ACP Adejobi stressed that the force will not tolerate actions that undermine public order and safety. He warned that individuals engaging in such activities will face the full force of the law. This proactive approach demonstrates the police’s dedication to upholding the integrity of its operations and ensuring public trust.
This incident also underscores the growing challenges posed by the rapid dissemination of information on social media platforms. The ease with which false narratives can be created and shared presents a significant threat to public order and can erode trust in institutions. The police’s action in this case signifies a move towards holding individuals accountable for the information they spread online, particularly when it has the potential to incite violence or create public unrest.
The police force has reiterated its commitment to addressing the spread of false information online and ensuring that perpetrators are brought to justice. This arrest serves as a warning to those who engage in such acts and highlights the need for responsible social media usage. The proliferation of fake news and its potential to destabilize public order requires a concerted effort from law enforcement, social media platforms, and the public to identify and counter misinformation effectively. The case against Ekhorutomuen is likely to be closely watched, as it could set a precedent for future cases involving the spread of false information online.
