Police clarify viral photograph alleging a Deputy Commissioner was arrested aiding bandits with weapons
The police have dismissed as fake news a social media post showing a photograph of a man kitted in police uniform paraded along with other suspects as Kaduna State Deputy Commissioner of Police.
A statement by Force Public Relations Officer, Olumuyiwa Adejobi said the man in the viral photograph was not a policeman, but an impersonator.
He warned the public to desists from sharing fake news as they could be charged for cybercrime.
The statement reads: “The Nigeria Police Force hereby addresses and clarifies a false and misleading claim circulating on X (formerly Twitter), made by one Adamu Garba Zango, a lecturer at Baze University.
“Mr. Zango, while recirculating a picture which has been in the internet archives since 2019, alleged that it was that of a Deputy Commissioner of Police serving at the Kaduna State Police Command who was arrested for supplying firearms to bandits and kidnappers. He further shared the said image to support this baseless claim.
“It is pertinent to state that the individual depicted in the shared photograph is not a serving member of the Nigeria Police Force. Investigations have revealed that the man in the image is one Kingsley Udoyen, a civilian who was arrested by the Akwa Ibom State Police Command on January 2nd, 2019 for impersonating an Assistant Commissioner of Police.
“At the time of his arrest, Udoyen was found to have been using a fake police rank to defraud and intimidate unsuspecting members of the public. Items recovered from his residence included an English pistol without ammunition and portraits of various police ranks.
“It is also important to point out that there is no connection between the Kaduna State Police Command and the false allegations propagated by Mr. Zango.
“The Nigeria Police Force condemns the spread of false information, which not only tarnishes the image of the Force but also undermines public trust and safety. Members of the public are urged to verify information from credible sources before sharing.
“The Nigeria Police Force remains committed to transparency, accountability, and the pursuit of justice. Spreading unverified claims is a violation of laws concerning defamation and cybercrime, and the Police may pursue appropriate legal action against individuals or entities involved in disseminating such falsehoods. For accurate information and updates, the public is encouraged to follow the official channels of the Nigeria Police Force on the following social media platforms: X (formerly Twitter).”