The Rivers State Police Command has dismissed a viral social media post alleging that four women posing as market traders were arrested for kidnapping in Port Harcourt, describing both the accompanying audio message and photograph as false.
In a statement issued on Saturday, the command’s spokesperson, Grace Iringe-Koko Agabe, said a preliminary digital analysis showed that the widely circulated photograph was generated using Artificial Intelligence (AI) and did not depict a real incident.
The image, which gained traction on social media, showed three women dressed as market traders seated beside a commercial bus in the Woji area of Port Harcourt while being questioned. It was accompanied by a caption claiming they were kidnappers disguising as market women.
However, the police said investigations found no record of such an incident anywhere in the state.
“The Rivers State Police Command has taken cognisance of a voice recording and an accompanying photograph currently circulating on various social media platforms alleging an attempted kidnap by four people dressed like market women along Woji Bridge in Rivers State,” Agabe said.
She explained that the command immediately initiated a verification process by contacting Divisional Police Officers, heads of departments and police formations across the state.
“Following comprehensive checks, it was confirmed that no incident of such nature was reported at any police division or formation within the Rivers State Police Command,” she stated.
According to the police spokesperson, efforts to trace the originator of the viral audio message were unsuccessful.
“Additionally, a preliminary digital assessment of the photograph being circulated in support of the allegation revealed clear indicators that it is Artificial Intelligence-generated and should not be regarded as authentic or credible evidence,” Agabe added.
She disclosed that the command had launched an investigation to identify those responsible for creating and circulating the false content.
“The Command has commenced a comprehensive investigation to identify and apprehend the individual(s) responsible for originating and circulating the false and misleading content capable of causing unnecessary panic, fear and public disorder,” she said.
Agabe warned that anyone found responsible would be prosecuted under the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention) Act, 2015.
She also reassured residents that Rivers State remains safe and secure, stressing that the command is committed to intelligence-led policing, crime prevention and the protection of lives and property.
The police urged members of the public to avoid creating or sharing unverified reports, manipulated content or AI-generated images capable of misleading the public.
“Citizens are advised to verify information through official channels before disseminating it. Anyone with credible information relating to the viral content or any security concern is encouraged to report through the Office of the Police Public Relations Officer or the Complaint Response Unit,” Agabe said.
