The Nigeria Police Force has refuted claims that it is using the Cybercrime Act 2024 to target individuals critical of the government, the Inspector General of Police (IGP), or the police.
The Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, made this clarification in a video statement released on Saturday, February 22.
Adejobi stated that contrary to speculations, the police have not arrested anyone for expressing dissenting views.
Instead, he emphasized that law enforcement actions have been directed at individuals spreading fake news, misinformation, and character-damaging falsehoods.
“Spreading falsehood, disinformation, malinformation, and distortion of facts—whether online or in print—is a criminal offense. Before publishing or sharing any content, journalists, bloggers, and content creators must verify their stories and ensure balance,” Adejobi cautioned.
He further reiterated that the police are committed to upholding the law without bias.
“The Nigeria Police Force has not been witch-hunting anyone with the Cybercrime Act 2024. We have not arrested or prosecuted anyone for criticizing the government, the IGP, or the police. Our focus is on those deliberately spreading falsehoods to discredit individuals, institutions, and harm reputations.”
Adejobi urged the public to refrain from misinformation and disinformation, warning that such actions constitute criminal offenses.