The Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has publicly distanced himself from a circulating WhatsApp message concerning upcoming nationwide protests.
A screenshot of a purported WhatsApp message from the IGP, which discourages protests in Lagos State, recently went viral on social media.
The message suggests, “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 released on Sunday night and shared on X 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 Nigeria Police Force wishes to inform the general public that a message currently circulating alongside a picture of the Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, on WhatsApp and other social media platforms, did not originate from the police
“The message, which poses several questions and opinions about protests, does not essentially represent the ideals or views of the Nigeria Police Force. We urge everyone to disregard this message and other similar contents purportedly from the NPF as the Force makes all communications via its official channels.”
Adejobi emphasized that the Nigeria Police Force is “committed to maintaining peace and order throughout the country. We do not endorse any message that could incite division, violence, or destruction. We encourage all Nigerians to engage in peaceful and constructive activities that would contribute to the progress and unity of our dear country.”
The IGP also issued a stern warning against the “spread of misinformation, disinformation, and fake news, or mischievous recycled contents,” noting that these actions are criminal and punishable under the Cybercrime law.
It has been reported that Nigerians, particularly the youth, are planning a nationwide protest from August 1st to 10th to highlight the current hardships in the country.
