Elections: Lagos Police To Prosecute Peddlers Of ‘Provocative Content’ On Social Media

• In recent days, some social media users have threatened voters in Lagos State to vote in a certain way or stay at home.

• The police in Lagos say it is aware of such messages.

• The force urged Nigerians to ignore the “scaremongering” and go out to vote in the March 11 governorship election.

Eko Hot Blog reports that the Lagos State Police Command has threatened to prosecute peddlers of fake news and “provocative content” on social media with the intent to cause panic in the state.

In the run-up to the March 11 governorship and house of assembly elections in Lagos, there has been a rise in the level of propaganda and inciting ethnic statements on social media.

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While some have alleged plans by the ruling party to inflict thugs on voters, others have threatened to hurt voters if they do not vote for a certain candidate.

In a statement on Monday, the police spokesperson in Lagos, SP Benjamin Hundeyin, said the police are investigating related cases with the aim of prosecuting those found guilty.

“The command has begun investigating this scaremongering with a view to apprehending and prosecuting those found culpable,” Hundeyin said.

“The good people and residents of the state are urged to disregard all forms of messages, especially on social media depicting fictitious, fallacious, and preposterous claims aimed at jeopardizing the peace currently being enjoyed in the state.”

The police spokesperson disclosed that the Lagos Commissioner of Police, Idowu Owohunwa, has assured the electorate of free, fair, and credible elections.

“Voters are encouraged to come out to exercise their franchise and not succumb to the panic tactics of a few unpatriotic elements masquerading as concerned and well-intentioned Nigerians on social media,” he said.

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“It is equally imperative to warn against mischief around the polling units and collation centres and beyond, as anyone found culpable will be promptly arrested and dealt with in accordance with the law.”

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