The Imo State Police Command has arrested 35-year-old Chidi Azonibe for allegedly raising false security alarm in Imo State. Southeast Nigeria.
The suspect, the Command said was circulating a notice about a planned attack by the Fulani herdsmen on residents of Umuoba in Irete area of the State.
This was contained in a statement by the spokesperson of the Command, DSP Henry Okoye, in a statement.
He noted that the suspect admitted to having distributed the notice alongside his brother. They acted on the instruction of one Prophetess Ijeoma who allegedly received a divine instruction about the attack.
Reports stated that residents of Umuoba on Monday night, February 10, discovered a threat notice on their gates. The notice was said to have been written by Fulani herdsmen in Irete, in the Owerri West Local Government Area of Imo State.
The notice which read, “FULANI HERDMEN. WE ARE COMING. WAIT FOR US AT ANYTIME, ANY MOMENT NOW. WAIT FOR US.”
However, the residents were thrown into panic as a result thereof.
According to the statement, Azonibe said the message was composed by his prophetess, Rev. Ijeoma of Assembly Church, Irete. He added that he, alongside his brother, Amanea, was instructed to disseminate it within the community.
“Prophetess Ijeoma had received a divine revelation from God about the planned attack by the Fulani herdsmen. And, so, decided to warn residents with the notice,” Azoibe said.
The statement read, “Operatives of the Imo State Police Command, following painstaking investigations, have apprehended an individual responsible for circulating a threatening message in the Umuoba community of Irete. The message, which created significant public concern over a potential herdsmen attack, prompted an immediate and thorough investigation by the Command.
“Mr. Chidi Emma Azonibe, 35, a native of Umuelele in Irete, admitted to posting the message. He stated that the message was composed by his prophetess, Rev. Ijeoma of Assembly Church, Irete. And that he, along with his brother Amanea, was instructed to disseminate it within the community.
“Mr. Azonibe further alleged that the prophetess told him that she had received a divine revelation from God warning that Fulani herdsmen were planning an attack on the residents of Irete. Prompting her to compose the false message as a means of alerting the community.
“The threatening words, ‘FULANI HERDSMEN. WE ARE COMING, WAIT FOR US AT ANY TIME ANY MOMENT NOW. WAIT FOR US,’ has significantly contributed to the heightened level of anxiety among residents of Irete and Owerri metropolis. Efforts are being intensified to apprehend the alleged prophetess and other suspects at large.”
Okoye noted that the suspect was currently undergoing investigation and is expected to face prosecution.
The spokesperson added that the Police Command frowned on the spread of inciting messages. He, therefore, warned that violators would be prosecuted.
“The suspect is currently undergoing investigation and is expected to face prosecution. The Imo State Police Command has also issued a stern warning against the spread of false news and misinformation. As anyone found inciting panic or unrest will face the full wrath of the law,” Okoye said.
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