Police debunk viral quote attributed to IGP as fake, cite Cybercrimes Act

Abdullateef Fowewe

Nigeria’s Police Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Ani Iniedu, has labelled a circulated social media post attributing a threatening statement to Inspector-General of Police Olatunji Disu as false and potentially criminal.

In a post on X (formerly Twitter) on Saturday, Iniedu shared a screenshot of the original claim stamped with a large red “FAKE” mark.

He wrote, “Section 24 of the Cybercrimes Act is relevant please,” accompanied by the hashtags #KnowYourLaw, #verifybeforeyouclick, #misinformation and #incitement.

The viral post that prompted the response claimed the IGP had said, “If you are paid to attack APC supporters, make sure to hand over your bank details to your family so they can access the money you were paid because it’ll be suicidal. As you continue to disturb the peace of the people, the police will continue to disturb you.”

It was presented as a direct quote from the police chief.

Police have not issued any such statement.

By highlighting Section 24 of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, Etc.) Act 2015 (as amended), the Force is pointing to provisions that criminalise knowingly sending false messages through computer systems or networks with the intent of causing a breakdown of law and order or posing a threat to life.

Convictions under the section can attract fines of up to ₦7 million, imprisonment of up to three years, or both.

The intervention comes amid ongoing political tensions in Nigeria, where the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and opposition groups frequently trade accusations of thuggery and online agitation.

False attributions of official statements have repeatedly circulated on social media, sometimes escalating tensions or triggering unnecessary panic.