The Rivers State Police Command has debunked a viral audio message and an accompanying photograph claiming to show four female kidnappers posing as traders, describing the image as an Artificial Intelligence-generated fabrication.
The photo, which was widely shared across social media platforms and seen by our correspondent, depicts three women dressed in market clothing in the Woji area of Port Harcourt, seated beside a commercial bus while being questioned after they were allegedly arrested.
A caption accompanying the image reads: “They are kidnappers here in Port Harcourt disguising as market women.”
However, the police said the photograph and accompanying audio message were false, adding that a preliminary digital assessment confirmed the image was AI-generated.
The command stated that no such incident had occurred or been reported anywhere in the state and urged members of the public to disregard the content.
It added that an investigation had commenced to identify the originator of the false and misleading post, which it said was capable of causing unnecessary panic, fear and public disorder.
The spokesperson for the Rivers State Police Command, Grace Iringe-Koko Agabe, disclosed this in a statement issued in Port Harcourt on Saturday.
The statement read, “The Rivers State Police Command has taken cognisance of a voice recording and an accompanying photograph currently circulating on various social media platforms alleging her attempted kidnap by four people dressed like market women along woji bridge in a Keke bus in Rivers state.
“Upon receipt of the information, the Command immediately activated its verification process by communicating with all Divisional Police Officers (DPOs), head of departments and Police Formations across the State to ascertain the authenticity of the claim.
“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.
“In furtherance to the verification process, concerted efforts were made to establish contact with the originator of the viral voice recording. However, all attempts to reach the author of the audio message proved abortive.
“Additionally, a preliminary digital assessment of the photograph being circulated in support of the allegation and purported arrest of the so called women displayed on the viral photograph revealed clear indicators that it is Artificial Intelligence (AI)-generated and should not be regarded as authentic or credible evidence.
“Consequently, 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.
“Anyone found culpable will be prosecuted in line with Section 24 of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention Act 2015.)”
Agabe, an Assistant Superintendent of Police, said that in line with the policing vision of the Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu, and under the leadership of the Commissioner of Police, Rivers State Command, Olugbenga Adepoju, the command reassures residents that the state remains peaceful, safe and secure.
“The Command remains steadfast in its commitment to intelligence-led policing, proactive crime prevention, and the protection of lives and property.
“The Command therefore cautions members of the public against creating, sharing, or amplifying unverified reports, manipulated content or AI-generated images capable of misleading the public or inciting unnecessary fear. 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 make an official complaint through the Office of the Police Public Relations Officer or contact the Complaint Response Unit using the emergency numbers in the public domain,” the statement added.