Subscribe: Gist E-Paper
The Rivers State Police Command has dismissed as false a viral voice recording and an accompanying photograph circulating on social media alleging an attempted kidnap by four women disguised as market traders along the Woji Bridge axis of Port Harcourt.
In a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Agabe Blessing Kaborlo, the Command said it immediately activated its verification process after becoming aware of the circulating content.
According to the statement, all Divisional Police Officers, heads of departments and police formations across the state were contacted to verify the claim. Following comprehensive checks, the Command confirmed that no such incident had been reported at any police division or formation in Rivers State.
The Police further disclosed that efforts were made to establish contact with the originator of the viral voice recording, but all attempts proved unsuccessful.
It added that a preliminary digital assessment of the photograph being circulated alongside the audio revealed clear indications that the image was generated using Artificial Intelligence (AI) and should not be regarded as authentic or credible evidence.
The Command announced that it has commenced a full-scale investigation to identify and apprehend those responsible for creating and circulating the false and misleading content, warning that anyone found culpable would be prosecuted in accordance with Section 24 of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act, 2015.
Reassuring residents, the Police said Rivers State remains peaceful, safe and secure, stressing its commitment to intelligence-led policing, proactive crime prevention and the protection of lives and property.
The Command cautioned members of the public against creating, sharing or amplifying unverified reports, manipulated content or AI-generated images capable of causing panic, misleading the public or inciting fear.
Residents were advised to verify security-related information through official police channels before disseminating it and to report credible security concerns to the Office of the Police Public Relations Officer or the Complaint Response Unit.
The Rivers State Police Command reaffirmed its commitment to professionalism, transparency and prompt verification of security-related information, urging residents to remain calm, law-abiding and continue supporting the Police with timely and credible information.
