The Delta State Police Command has issued a statement to debunk a viral social media report claiming that a suspect died in custody at Ekpan Police Station. According to the Command, the report is false and misleading, aimed at undermining efforts to tackle crime in the state.
The police were reacting to a post circulated by a self-acclaimed activist, Israel Joe, which alleged that a suspect had died in custody while also calling for protests and the redeployment of the officer in charge of operations. However, the Command firmly denied the allegation, stating that no suspect died in police custody in Ekpan or any part of the state.
The Command attributed the claim to a recent coordinated operation carried out across parts of the state, led by the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of Operations, Olumuyiwa Adejobi. The operation targeted criminal hideouts in Ughelli and Warri, resulting in the arrest of over 270 suspects, including suspected drug traffickers and wanted cultists.
The Delta State Police Command's swift response to debunk a baseless report is a welcome development. However, the fact that such reports can spread like wildfire on social media raises concerns about the need for stricter regulations on online content. The Command's commitment to protecting lives and property across the state is commendable, but it is equally important to hold individuals responsible for spreading false information accountable. The police should investigate and prosecute those behind the viral report to maintain public trust in law enforcement.
