The Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has denied any connection to a WhatsApp message circulating on social media discouraging protests in Lagos State.
The message in question, observed by Ejes News, suggests participants reconsider their involvement in protests targeting Lagos.
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In a statement issued by the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the IGP clarified that the message did not originate from the Nigeria Police Force. Adejobi emphasized that the Force communicates through official channels and urged the public to disregard such misinformation.
“The Nigeria Police Force wishes to inform the general public that a message currently circulating alongside a picture of the Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, Ph.D., NPM, on WhatsApp and other social media platforms, did not originate from the police.
The message, which poses several questions and opinions about protests, does not essentially represent the ideals or views of the Nigeria Police Force. We urge everyone to disregard this message and other similar contents purportedly from the NPF as the Force makes all communications via its official channels,” read the statement.
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The IGP reiterated the commitment of the Nigeria Police Force to maintaining peace and order throughout the country and warned against the spread of misinformation, disinformation, and fake news, noting that such actions are criminal and punishable under the Cybercrime law.
Meanwhile, police and other security agencies are on high alert in anticipation of the planned nationwide protest from August 1st to 10th, aimed at drawing government attention to the prevailing hardship in the country.
