Police Move against Peddlers of Misinformation, to Begin Enforcement of Vehicle Third-party Insurance Feb.

* Fault alleged theft of N1.09bn from Enugu govt treasury  

* DSS apprehends blogger, Augustus for posting fake recruitment notice

Linus Aleke in Abuja

The Nigeria Police Force has said it have taken decisive action to curb the spread of fake news, disinformation, and incitement capable of widening the trust gap between the Police and members of the public who are critical stakeholders in national peace and security.

Also, yesterday, the Nigeria Police Force dismissed as false, the narrative and rumour circulating online about an alleged hack of the Enugu State Government’s official account, resulting in the theft of N1.09 billion.
This was as operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) apprehended the alleged cyber criminal behind the recent cloning of its website in which a notice was placed to falsely inform Nigerians that the agency was recruiting.

A statement by Force Spokesperson ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi recalled that, “On December 8, 2024, operatives of the Force apprehended one Destiny Ekhorutomuen, a 38-year-old suspect, in Uhunmwonde Local Government Area of Edo State.

The suspect, he said allegedly created and operated multiple social media accounts to disseminate false and inciting content aimed at provoking the public against the Nigeria Police.
The Nigeria Police, he said reaffirmed their  zero tolerance for acts aimed at threatening the nation’s stability or tarnishing the reputation of the police and other government institutions.
According to him, “This deliberate spread of falsehoods erodes public trust, undermines societal cohesion, and poses significant risks to national security.

“In this regard, the Nigeria Police Force strongly warns against the misuse of social media and other communication platforms to propagate fake news or incite disorder. Such acts are criminal and punishable under the law.

“Citizens are urged to exercise caution and responsibility in their use of information, as the collective peace and unity of the nation depend on it.

“The NPF reassures the public of its unwavering commitment to upholding law and order. It will continue to identify and prosecute individuals or groups engaging in activities that threaten Nigeria’s peace and security”.
Also, the Inspector General of Police Kayode Egbetokun received the Commissioner for Insurance, National Insurance Commission (NAICOM), Mr. Olusegun Ayo Omosehin and team.
He said the Commissioner congratulated the IG on his significant achievements, particularly the establishment of the Police Insurance Bank Limited.

He emphasised the need for the police’s assistance in ensuring public compliance with insurance laws.
He also requested the Nigeria Police Force’s support in the nationwide enforcement of compulsory third-party insurance, which provides substantial benefits to all road users.

The IG affirmed the importance of third-party insurance and announced February 1, 2025, as the commencement date for the enforcement of the relevant laws.

The IG further stated that Section 68 of the Insurance Act and Section 312 of the 1945 Motor Vehicle (Third Party Insurance) Act mandate that all vehicle owners possess third-party insurance before operating their vehicles on public roads.

 He also urged Nigerians to comply with these laws, as violations are punishable by imprisonment, fines, or both.

The NPF remains steadfast in collaborating with all MDAs and companies in ensuring that the protection of lives and property of all citizens of the Federal Republic of Nigeria remains paramount.

Meanwhile, operatives of the DSS have apprehended the alleged cyber criminal behind the recent cloning of its website in which a notice was placed to falsely inform Nigerians that the agency was recruiting.

An inside source told THISDAY that the 32 year-old cyber criminal, identified as Sylvester Augustus, a native of Abak Local Government Area in Akwa-Ibom State, was tracked and apprehended by DSS operatives on Thursday at his residence on Akpan Eno Lane in Abak, Abak LGA.

The alleged digital felon, the source said, claimed to be a graduate of the University of Uyo (UNIUYO), a blogger and content creator.

Augustus, he said, had cloned the DSS website on which he created a fake online recruitment notice, apparently with the intent of defrauding unsuspecting members of the public.

In the meantime, the Police Force has dismissed as false, the narrative and rumour circulating online about an alleged hack of the Enugu State Government’s official account, resulting in the theft of N1.09 billion.

The police also stressed that the alleged compromise of the state government’s official account leading to over one billion Naira theft was completely unfounded.

 A statement by Force Spokesperson, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, averred that investigation by operatives of the NPF-National Cyber Crime Centre (NCCC), revealed that it was a case of procurement fraud, not a cyber-breach.

This is as the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, ordered an immediate clampdown on arsonists and insurgents in the North-east, stating that no cop-killer will go unpunished.

Egbetokun gave this order while condemning in strong terms the recent explosion attack at Nganzai Divisional Police Headquarters, Borno State, on 9th January, 2025, at about 12.10a.m., which led to the death of two police officers; Inspector Bartholomew Kalawa and Corporal Mustapha Huzaifat.

 Also, the force said that a woman, Ihsanatu Shaaibu, who physically abused and caused grievous injuries to her stepdaughter Fa’iza Bala, a five-year-old, has been arrested.

 Adejobi, confirmed that there was no hacking incident on the Enugu State Government’s account, as alleged, stating that the allegations of a theft amounting to N1.09 billion was entirely baseless.

 “The case, which was investigated by the NPF-National Cyber Crime Centre (NCCC), was a case of procurement fraud, not a cyber-breach.

“The suspect has been arrested in connection with this fraud, and the funds have already been recovered.

“The Enugu State Government and other ministries, departments, and agencies of government and corporate firms are in partnership with the NCCC and have  established comprehensive and fortified security protocols to safeguard their financial systems,” he said.