From Victor Edozie , in Port Harcourt
The Rivers State Police Command has dismissed a viral video in social media which claimed that four women adored in market apron had abducted a widow at Woji part of Port Harcourt.
A viral video on social media had alleged that the four women adored in market apron had abducted a widow in Woji part of Port Harcourt and taken her captive.
The Command in a Press Statement issued in Port Harcourt on Saturday by its Public Relation Officer, ASP Agabe Kaborlo Blessing said it has taken cognizance of a voice recording and an accompanying photograph currently circulating on various social media platforms alleging her attempted kidnap by four 4 people dressed like market women along woji bridge in a Keke bus in Rivers state.
Agabe said upon receipt of the information, the Command immediately activated its verification process by communicating with all Divisional Police Officers (DPOs), head of departments and Police Formations across the State to ascertain the authenticity of the claim.
The PPRO said following comprehensive checks, it was confirmed that no incident of such nature was reported at any Police Division or formation within the Rivers State Police Command.
She noted that in furtherance to the verification process, concerted efforts were made to establish contact with the originator of the viral voice recording adding that all attempts to reach the author of the audio message proved abortive.
“Additionally, a preliminary digital assessment of the photograph being circulated in support of the allegation and purported arrest of the so called women displayed on the viral photograph revealed clear indicators that it is Artificial Intelligence (AI)-generated and should not be regarded as authentic or credible evidence.
“Consequently, the Command has commenced a comprehensive investigation to identify and apprehend the individual(s) responsible for originating and circulating the false and misleading content capable of causing unnecessary panic, fear, and public disorder. Anyone found culpable will be prosecuted in line with Section 24 of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention Act 2015.)
“In line with the policing vision of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, psc(+), NPM, under the leadership Commissioner of Police, Rivers State Command, CP Olugbenga Adepoju, psc, mnips, fcai, reassures residents that Rivers State remains peaceful, safe, and secure. The Command remains steadfast in its commitment to intelligence-led policing, proactive crime prevention, and the protection of lives and property.
“The Command therefore cautions members of the public against creating, sharing, or amplifying unverified reports, manipulated content or AI-generated images capable of misleading the public or inciting unnecessary fear. Citizens are advised to verify information through official channels before disseminating it, Agabe noted in the statement.
Agabe called on residents of the state with credible information relating to the viral content or any security concern to make an official complaint through the Office of the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) or contact the Complaint Response Unit (Cruz).
She said that Rivers State Police Command remains committed to professionalism, transparency, and safeguarding public confidence through prompt verification of security-related information and urged residents to remain calm, law-abiding, and continue supporting the Police with timely and credible information.
