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From Tony John, Port Harcourt
The Rivers State Police Command has debunked a viral audio recording and an accompanying photograph circulating on social media, of market-women-kidnappers, describing the claims of an attempted kidnapping along Woji Bridge in Port Harcourt, as false and misleading.
According to the Command, the voice note alleged that a woman narrowly escaped being kidnapped by four individuals dressed as market women while travelling in a commercial tricycle.
However, following an immediate statewide verification exercise, Police authorities confirmed that no such incident was reported at any Police Division or formation across Rivers State.
State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Agabe Blessing Kaborlo, an Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP), in a statement issued in Port Harcourt on Saturday, disclosed that, as part of the verification process, the Command contacted all Divisional Police Officers (DPOs), Heads of Departments, and Police Formations to ascertain the authenticity of the claim.
According to her, investigators also attempted to reach the originator of the viral audio, but all efforts proved unsuccessful.
The PPRO added that, in a significant development, a preliminary digital assessment of the photograph circulated alongside the audio revealed clear indicators that the image was Artificial Intelligence (AI)-generated and should not be regarded as authentic evidence.
She stated: “The Rivers State Police Command has now commenced a full-scale investigation to identify and arrest those responsible for creating and circulating the false content capable of causing public panic, fear, and disorder.”
The command warned that anyone found culpable will be prosecuted in accordance with Section 24 of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act, 2015.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Olugbenga Adepoju, has reassured residents that Rivers State remains peaceful, safe and secure.
He reiterated the command’s commitment to intelligence-driven policing, proactive crime prevention and the protection of lives and property.
The Police also urged members of the public to avoid creating, sharing, or amplifying unverified reports, manipulated content, or AI-generated images capable of misleading the public.
The CP encouraged residents to verify security-related information through official Police channels before sharing it.
The Rivers State Police Command reaffirmed its commitment to professionalism, transparency and maintaining public confidence through prompt verification of security-related reports.
The command urged citizens to remain calm and continue supporting the Police with timely and credible information.
