The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has issued a strong warning to content creators against spreading false information capable of causing panic, following the arrest of a TikToker over a viral video falsely claiming a terrorist invasion of Abuja.
FCT Commissioner of Police, Ahmed Muhammed Sanusi, disclosed this on Friday while addressing journalists on the incident that sparked widespread alarm across the nation’s capital.
A disturbing video circulated on social media on Thursday alleged that heavily armed terrorists had stormed Abuja, with claims that gunshots were “raining heavily” in parts of the city. The footage quickly gained traction, triggering fear among residents.
However, police investigations revealed the video to be entirely fabricated. According to the CP, operatives traced the source of the clip to a content creator identified as Pam Joseph, who was subsequently arrested in Bwari after a forensic analysis.
Sanusi said the suspect confessed to creating the false video solely to boost his follower count on TikTok.
“When we got the video, we conducted a forensic analysis and identified the individual behind it. Our operatives tracked him down and apprehended him in a village in Bwari,” the police chief said.
“Upon interrogation, he admitted that his intention was to gain followers on TikTok. This is unacceptable.”
The police commissioner warned that the command would not hesitate to track down and prosecute individuals spreading misinformation, stressing that security agencies now possess advanced capabilities to trace digital content to its source.
“All content creators must understand that the police have evolved. If you disseminate false information, we will find you, no matter where you are hiding,” he warned.
Sanusi further cautioned against trivialising sensitive security issues, noting that claims of terrorist activity are serious matters that must not be used for online engagement or clout.
“Creating panic in the city is dangerous. Saying terrorists have invaded Abuja is not something to joke about,” he added.
The command urged residents to rely only on verified sources for security updates and to remain calm, assuring that there was no terrorist threat in the FCT.
ELIJAH ADEYEMI
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