IGP Denies Alleged Leaked WhatsApp Message on Anti-Government Protest

Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has distanced himself from a WhatsApp message circulating on social media about the planned nationwide protests.

The NIGERIA NEWS 247 previously saw a screenshot of an alleged WhatsApp message from the IGP discouraging protests in Lagos State. The message read, “If you are going to join any protest next week, it’s good but ask yourself these questions: Why is Lagos always their target? How about starting from your state?”

However, in a statement issued on Sunday night by the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the IGP clarified that the message did not originate from the police.

According to the statement, “the message, which poses several questions and opinions about protests, does not represent the ideals or views of the Nigeria Police Force. We urge everyone to disregard this message and similar contents purportedly from the NPF, as the Force communicates only through its official channels.”

Adejobi assured the public that the Nigeria Police Force is committed to maintaining peace and order nationwide and does not endorse any messages that could incite division, violence, or destruction.

“We encourage all Nigerians to engage in peaceful and constructive activities that contribute to the progress and unity of our country,” he added.

The IGP also warned that spreading misinformation, disinformation, fake news, or recycled content is a criminal act punishable under the Cybercrime law.

The NIGERIA NEWS 247 reports that Nigerians, particularly the youths, have scheduled a nationwide protest from August 1st to 10th to draw the government’s attention to the prevailing hardship in the country.