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Gwamna petitions IGP, seeks INTERPOL probe over alleged fake news campaign
🇳🇬 Nigeria /Elections & Politics

Gwamna petitions IGP, seeks INTERPOL probe over alleged fake news campaign

From Vanguard · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Context piece
  • Gombe State APC governorship candidate Jamilu Isyaku Gwamna petitioned the Inspector-General of Police over alleged fake news and defamation.
  • The petition requests an INTERPOL probe into online attacks, claiming they falsely reported his arrest by the EFCC.
  • The move reflects growing concerns about misinformation in political contests ahead of the 2027 elections.

Gombe State's All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate, Jamilu Isyaku Gwamna, has formally lodged a complaint with the Inspector-General of Police. He alleges a coordinated campaign of cyberbullying, criminal defamation, and fake news designed to tarnish his reputation before the 2027 gubernatorial election.

The petition identified several social media accounts accused of publishing claims that the APC candidate had been arrested and detained by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

— Sources familiar with the petitionDetailing the specific allegations made in the petition.

Sources familiar with the petition indicate Gwamna is seeking an investigation by the Nigeria Police National Cybercrime Centre, with potential involvement from INTERPOL. This request stems from intelligence suggesting some perpetrators of the alleged online attacks may be operating from outside Nigeria. The petition reportedly names specific social media accounts accused of spreading false claims about Gwamna's arrest and detention by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), allegations he vehemently denies.

Gwamna denied the allegations, describing them as false.

— Jamilu Isyaku GwamnaResponding to the claims of arrest and detention.

The publications are characterized in the petition as a deliberate disinformation campaign aimed at misleading the public, damaging Gwamna's image, and manipulating public perception. Gwamna's legal team is reportedly urging the police to gather digital evidence, including subscriber information and IP logs, from platforms like Meta. The goal is to identify those responsible, prosecute any culpable individuals, and have the disputed content removed.

the petition characterised the publications as a coordinated disinformation campaign intended to mislead the public, damage his reputation and influence public perception.

— Sources familiar with the petitionDescribing the nature of the alleged online attacks.

This petition highlights increasing anxieties surrounding the use of misinformation and online attacks in political rivalries as the 2027 election cycle approaches. Political observers note that Gwamna's rising prominence in the state's political arena has drawn significant public attention. Supporters of the APC candidate express confidence that the investigation will uncover the individuals behind the alleged smear campaign, asserting that voters will ultimately judge candidates on their competence, integrity, and vision for Gombe State.

Gwamna’s growing profile within the state’s political landscape has attracted increased public attention

— Political observersCommenting on the candidate's public standing.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Vanguard. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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