Fake News: Police Arrest WhatsApp Group Admin, Members

For allegedly circulating fake news, the Kano state police have arrested the administrator and members of a WhatsApp group.

PRNigeria reports that the group was spreading the picture of a woman who was accused of trafficking children in Kano.

Police spokesperson, Magaji Musa, in a statement said the suspects were arrested following a complaint the woman issued.

The administrator and members of the WhatsApp group, when interrogated, begged for forgiveness for circulating the fake information about the woman who has been identified as Bushirat Madaki.

Magaji said the police have provided security cover for her over fear of mob attacks because her image and the false report on her have gone viral.

Magaji said: “We received a complaint from a married woman and a civil servant, Mrs Bushirat Madaki, that her picture is being shared on WhatsApp group with the intent to malign and incite the public against her.

“Upon receiving the complaint, the commissioner of police, Alhaji Rabiu Yusuf ordered an immediate investigation by a special team who were able to trace and arrest three married suspects a man and two women for circulating the fake and offensive information.

“When confronted over the petition against them, the suspects admitted that the image and material on the woman were shared and forwarded in their group.

“They also admitted that they didn’t know the woman in person and have never had interaction with her before distributing the image and the story. They, therefore, sought forgiveness.

“For now, the police command has granted the suspects bails because the offence is bailable while further investigation is ongoing.

“The police command is also currently providing security cover for the innocent woman for fear of mob attacks because her image and the false report on her have gone viral.

“We call on social media users to be wary of what they receive and share or forward on social media, especially WhatsApp. We should guard against the misuse of social media platforms by sharing and forwarding objectionable or fake messages.”