The Rivers State Police Command has dismissed as false a viral voice recording and photograph circulating on social media alleging that a woman narrowly escaped being kidnapped by four individuals disguised as market women in a commercial tricycle near Woji Bridge in 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 the claims surfaced online. Divisional Police Officers, Heads of Departments and Police formations across the state were contacted to determine the authenticity of the allegation.
According to the Command, the verification exercise confirmed that no incident matching the viral claim was reported at any police division or formation in Rivers State.
The police said efforts were also made to trace and contact the originator of the viral voice recording, but all attempts proved unsuccessful.
The statement further revealed that a preliminary digital forensic analysis of the accompanying photograph showed clear indications that it was generated using Artificial Intelligence (AI) and should not be regarded as authentic or credible evidence.
Consequently, the Command said it has launched an investigation to identify and apprehend those responsible for creating and circulating the false content, warning that such misinformation is capable of causing unnecessary panic, fear and public disorder.
It added that anyone found culpable would be prosecuted in accordance with Section 24 of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act, 2015.
Reaffirming the policing vision of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, and the leadership of the Commissioner of Police, Rivers State Command, CP Olugbenga Adepoju, the Command assured residents that Rivers State remains peaceful, safe and secure.
The police said they remain committed to intelligence-led policing, proactive crime prevention and the protection of lives and property across the state.
The Command also cautioned members of the public against creating, sharing or amplifying unverified reports, manipulated content or AI-generated images capable of misleading the public or inciting unnecessary fear. Residents were advised to verify security-related information through official police channels before disseminating it.
It further urged anyone with credible information relating to the viral content or any other security concern to report through 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 maintaining public confidence through the prompt verification of security-related information. It also urged residents to remain calm, law-abiding and continue supporting the police with timely and credible information.
