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๐Ÿ‡ณ๐Ÿ‡ฌ Nigeria /Crime & Justice

Police arrest Akwa Ibom social media activist over false security alarms

From The Punch · () English

Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Official statement Outcome reported
  • Akwa Ibom State Police Command arrested Akaninyene Udo for spreading false security alarms on social media.
  • Udo allegedly posted a threatening message and an image of an armed bandit, causing fear in Eket.
  • The police assured residents that the state's security is stable and warned against sharing unverified information.

Akwa Ibom State Police have arrested a social media user, Akaninyene Udo, for allegedly creating fear and panic through false security alerts. Udo, who uses the social media handle "AK Philo," was apprehended after circulating a threatening message stating, "Eket get ready for us," accompanied by an image of an armed bandit.

Akwa Ibom State Police Command has observed with concern the activities of certain individuals who use social media platforms to circulate false, misleading and provocative security-related messages aimed at creating fear, panic and unnecessary apprehension among residents of the state.

โ€” DSP Timfon JohnStatement from the Akwa Ibom State Police Public Relations Officer regarding the arrest.

The post caused widespread concern among residents of Eket and its environs. The Akwa Ibom State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Timfon John, issued a statement assuring the public that the security situation across the state remains calm and under control. He emphasized that there is no cause for alarm and that police and other security agencies are maintaining vigilance.

The Command wishes to assure the good people of Akwa Ibom State that there is no cause for alarm. The security situation across the state remains calm, stable and under control, while the police and other security agencies continue to maintain vigilance and deploy proactive measures to safeguard lives and property.

โ€” DSP Timfon JohnAssurance from the police regarding the state's security situation.

The police command stated that investigations into the matter have concluded and that the suspect will be charged in court. They also warned the public against creating, publishing, or sharing unverified security alerts and fake news. Residents are advised to verify security-related information through official channels before sharing it.

Eket get ready for us

โ€” Akaninyene Udo (via social media post)The threatening message circulated by the arrested suspect.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by The Punch in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.