2027: Police to track, prosecute fake news peddlers — IG

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The Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu, says the police will identify and prosecute individuals spreading fake news and misleading content ahead of th Read More:…

The Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu, has said the Nigeria Police Force will identify and prosecute individuals responsible for spreading fake news, fabricated videos and other misleading digital content capable of causing panic and insecurity.

Disu said the police had strengthened its cybercrime monitoring and digital forensic capabilities to identify individuals responsible for circulating fabricated videos, notices and other misleading content.

He spoke on Wednesday at the annual conference and awards ceremony of the Crime Correspondents Association of Nigeria, where he warned that misinformation could worsen insecurity, particularly as the country approaches the 2027 general elections.

He said, “First, the National Cybercrime Centre monitors online platforms for false and inciting contents and we have extended the cybercrime activities to our Criminal Investigation Departments nationwide.

“Second, we trace and prosecute. Through digital forensic, we have identified and arrested individuals behind fabricated notices and videos.”

The IG added that the police would respond promptly to false reports capable of causing public panic.

“Third, we respond quickly when a false claim goes viral, the police will say so early with evidence rather than leave a vacuum for a rumour.”

He also warned that the measures would target deliberate fabrications and incitement rather than legitimate journalism.

“Like I said earlier, these measures target deliberate fabrications and incitement. They are not aimed at honest journalism,” Disu said.

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