Police Warn Social Media Users, Bloggers Against Fake News

The Police Command in Cross River has warned social media users
and bloggers operating in the state to desist from using `online’
to spread fake news.

The command gave the warning in a statement by its Spokesperson,
Mrs Irene Ugbo, a Deputy Superintendent of Police, on Friday in
Calabar.

Ugbo said that some bloggers and social media users were in the
habit of posting fake news in their blogs and websites to propagate
cheap blackmail by inciting the public against government
institutions.

She said that the command, in collaboration with the leadership
of Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) in the state would not
hesitate to deal decisively with any individual or group peddling
fake news.

According to her, some of the bloggers who have joined the media
profession without requisite training and journalism background
were frustrating the cordial working relationship of NUJ and the
Police in the state.

Ugbo said that some unscrupulous social media bloggers were
trying to frustrate the media’s effort and reputation gained in
championing the enthronement of democracy and respect for human
rights in the country.

“They are in a habit of posting fake and unconfirmed stories in
their respective websites and social media platforms, aimed at
cheap blackmail and spread of rumour to incite the public against
government institutions.

“In the same vein, the command wants to categorically state that
the fake news making rounds on social media that three babies were
stolen at the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital is not
true.

“The story is a blatant lie and calculated attempt to undermine
or tarnish the hospital’s reputation, thereby causing security
breach in the state and the hospital,’’ she stated.

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