Police warn against fake news ahead of Ondo election

The Ondo state police command has warned against the spread of false information on social media ahead of the November 16 governorship election.

In a statement on Monday, Funmilayo Odunlami, the command’s spokesperson, said there has been a growing trend of misleading content, including old videos, being recirculated to “stir unrest” within the community.

“Recently, a video depicting flooding in Ore from August 2013 was irresponsibly circulated by individuals whose motives remain unclear,” she said.

“Such actions are not only misleading but pose significant risks, especially during this crucial electoral period.

”The spread of misinformation can undermine public trust, incite violence, jeopardise public safety, and threaten the integrity of our democracy — ultimately depriving people of a level playing field for the exercise of their civic rights and responsibilities.”

She also referenced a “false story” alleging the amputation of fingers from a corpse at a mortuary in Ajowa-Akoko, which was debunked by the divisional police officer (DPO) after visiting the morgue.

“The Police Command emphasises the importance of verifying information before sharing or reposting, as constructive engagement is essential for fostering a peaceful environment during this pivotal time in the state’s history,” she said.

Odunlami urged citizens to be vigilant and avoid those attempting to exploit the situation for personal gain while encouraging them to prioritise fact-checking over sensationalism.

“While we are committed to ensuring free, fair, and peaceful elections, the police command will not tolerate any acts of calumny or attempts to disrupt the process,” she added.

Abayomi Peter, the state’s police commissioner, also affirmed the readiness of his men to “address any threats to the election, whether kinetic or non-kinetic”.