BREAKING: Police arrest man behind viral video alleging terror attack in Abuja

By Ayorinde Oluokun

Nigeria Police Force said one Pam Joseph has been arrested over a viral video circulating on social media alleging an ongoing terrorist attack in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja.

DCP Anthony Okon Placid, the spokesperson for Nigeria Police said this in a statement on Friday while debunking claim of terrorists’ attack in Abuja as indicated in the viral video.

“The Force states unequivocally that no such incident occurred, and the claims contained in the video are entirely false, misleading, and malicious,” Placid said in the statement.

The Police spokesperson added that preliminary investigations revealed that the video was deliberately curated using misleading footage sourced from online platforms to construct a false narrative aimed at causing panic, inciting public fear, and undermining public confidence in the security architecture of the nation’s capital.

He added that Pam Joseph was arrested following credible intelligence and digital forensic investigations linking him to the origin and circulation of the video.

According to him, the arrest of the suspect was in furtherance of police commitment to maintainance of public order, operatives.

Placid also warned in the statement that while citizens have the right to freedom of expression, such rights do not extend to the deliberate spread of misinformation capable of threatening public peace and national security.

He also warned that the police and will continue to monitor digital spaces and take decisive action against individuals who engage in the dissemination of false or misleading information as part of the commitment to safeguarding public order and national security.

“Members of the public are therefore advised to verify information before sharing and to refrain from engaging in activities that may incite fear or disorder” said the police spokesperson.

He added that the is currently in custody and will be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations.

PRESS RELEASE

VIRAL VIDEO ALLEGING TERRORIST ATTACK IN ABUJA: CLAIM FALSE AND MISLEADING

…as CP FCT orders forensic analysis to identify and apprehend its originator

The FCT Police Command had in an earlier statement described the viral video alleging that terrorists are advancing on Abuja, with gunshots reportedly “raining heavily” as false and deceptive.

“Contrary to the claims contained in the video and its accompanying narrative, there is no record of any such attack or security breach within Abuja or any part of the FCT.

“Preliminary findings indicate that the gunshot sounds heard in the video were edited from an unrelated source and superimposed on footage of an unidentified location showing buildings under construction, with no verifiable link to the Federal Capital Territory.

“The Command strongly cautions content creators against the dissemination of false content capable of causing fear, panic, and public disorder,” FCT Police spokesperson, SP Josephine Adeh said.