Police arrest man for false security alert in Akwa Ibom

Police in Nigeria's Akwa Ibom State have arrested a man for allegedly spreading a false security alert on social media that caused panic among residents of the Eket area. The arrest was announced on Monday, June 8.

The suspect, identified as Akaninyene Udo, who uses the online name AK Philo, is accused of posting a threatening message stating, "Eket get ready for us," accompanied by an image of an armed man. The post went viral, generating widespread fear and concern in Eket and surrounding communities. Police spokesperson Deputy Superintendent Timfon John stated that Udo, a resident of Akpautong in the Esit Eket Local Government Area, deliberately shared the false information to create insecurity.

Investigations into the viral post have been concluded, and the suspect will soon be charged in court, according to the police statement. Authorities are also working to identify others who may have helped disseminate the content. John noted that the suspect altered the caption of his original post after learning police were investigating him.

The Akwa Ibom State Police Command used the incident to issue a stern warning against the creation or sharing of unverified security alerts and...