The Commissioner of Police in Lagos, Abiodun Alabi, has warned the media against spreading of fake news capable of inciting violence ahead of the 2023 general elections. 

He gave this warning at a symposium organised for broadcast, print and online journalists by the State Police Command on fake news and its implication on security, especially in view of the forthcoming elections.

The event which held at the Police Officers’ Mess, Ikeja, was to sensitise journalists and media executives on the consequences of misinformation and disinformation.

Declaring the Symposium open, Mr Alabi noted that fake news could lead to the breakdown of law and order, and urged the media to always fact-check information before sharing.

The police boss warned that anyone found wanting will be held accountable.

Lending their voices to the condemnation of fake news at the symposium were the Resident Electoral Commissioner of INEC, Lagos, Olusegun Agbaje. 

Also, representatives from the State Security Service (SSS), Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), Inter-Party Advisory Council Nigeria (IPAC), Nigerian Bar Association (NBA).

Others were Center for Democracy and Development (CDD), Police Community Relations Committee (PCRC) and the Police Eminent Persons Forum (PEPF).