Nigeria Police Arrest WhatsApp Group Admin, Members Over Fake News

Agency ReporterSeptember 11, 2018

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The Kano State Police command has arrested an administrator and members of a WhatsApp group for allegedly circulating fake news and an image of a married woman whom they claimed was trafficking in children in the city.

It was reported that the spokesperson of the Police in the state, Superintendent of Police Magaji Maaji said the suspects were arrested and paraded after the victim of the circulated image lodged a formal complaint to the police command.

“We received a complaint from a married woman and a civil servant, Mrs. Bushirat Madaki, that her picture is being shared on WhatsApp group with the intent to malign and incite the public against her.

“Upon receiving the complaint, the commissioner of Police, CP Rabiu Yusuf ordered an immediate investigation by a special team who were able to trace and arrest three married suspects, a man and two women for circulating the fake and offensive information.

“When confronted over the petition against them, the suspects admitted that the image and material on the woman were shared and forwarded in their group.

“They also admitted that they didn’t know the woman in person and have never had interaction with her before distributing the image and the story.

They, therefore, sought forgiveness. “For now, the police command has granted the suspects bail because the offence is bailable while further investigation is ongoing.

The police command is also currently providing security cover for the innocent woman for fear of mob attacks because her image and the false report on her have gone viral,” Magaji said.