A social media post accusing the Ebonyi State Commissioner of Police, Mrs Hope Okafor, of collecting money from families to secure the release of their sons has landed a content creator, Justice Ozobi, in police custody.
Ozobi and an alleged accomplice were arrested following the post, which the Ebonyi State Police Command described as false and misleading.
According to the Command’s Public Relations Officer, Mr Joshua Ukandu, Ozobi allegedly claimed that the Commissioner collected seven hundred thousand naira each from six families in exchange for securing the release of their sons.
The Police Command said it had earlier dismissed the allegation as untrue but subsequently commenced action against the content creator over the publication.
The Command also accused Ozobi of using a photograph of a former Commissioner of Police in Ebonyi State alongside the allegation, saying the move exposed the retired senior police officer to what it described as unwarranted public ridicule and embarrassment.
Police said Ozobi was arrested in Anambra State and has since been brought to the Ebonyi State Police Command, where he is assisting with investigations.
The development has again highlighted the risks of publishing unverified allegations on social media, particularly when such claims involve public officials and can quickly reach thousands of people.
The Police Command urged members of the public and social media users to verify information before sharing or publishing it, warning against the spread of claims capable of damaging the reputation of individuals or institutions.
The police said investigations into the matter are ongoing.
