As the ongoing nationwide ‘hunger’ protest tagged ‘End Bad Governance protest’ in Nigeria entered its fourth day, a photo showing the spokesperson of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF), Olumuyiwa Adejobi, fully armed has been circulating online, particularly on X alongside a claim that he was armed against unarmed Nigerians.
An X user, @kunmydrey, shared the photo with a caption that read:
In the photo, Adejobi was seen wearing a Police uniform with helmet and armed with a special General Purpose Machine Gun (GPMG) and bandolier (chain ammunition or bullet belt) hanged around his neck while pointing his fingers in a direction.
The post has garnered over 170,000 views, with more than 6,000 likes, over 3,900 reposts and over 500 comments as of August 4, 2024.
The same photo was also shared on Instagram by a user, @naijaeverything, same day with another caption thus:
“Ah ah!! This “load” too much nah all because of protesters!! Nah Rambo pattern be this oh!”
The photo has since gone viral on social media amidst the protests by Nigerians to end hunger and economic hardship in the West African nation.
CLAIM
Photo shows NPF spokesperson, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, armed with machine gun against ‘End Bad Governance’ protesters.
THE FINDINGS
Findings by this fact-checker show that the claim is MISLEADING, as the photo was first shared by Adejobi himself on March 13, 2024.
He has also debunked the viral claim via his X account, @Princemoye1, on Sunday, August 4, 2024.
In his X post, the cop stated that the photo was taken when the Inspector General of Police (IGP), launched the Special Intervention Squad (SIS) in Abuja in January 2024.
“This is a very old picture. It was taken when the IGP launched the SIS Special Intervention Squad in Abuja in January 2024. It was an operation against the bandits and kidnappers who were terrorising Abuja, not against the protesters as being speculated.
“The Force PRO was never on the field during the protest. I have been in the situation room at the Force Headquarters. It’s a fake news and handiwork of mischief makers. Disregard. Am sure many here know and can testify. We have been peaceful during the protest. And we will remain peaceful. Even at the height of provocation, we exercise restraint and peaceful, professional, humane. Thanks,” Adejobi wrote on X.
This is a very old picture. It was taken when the IGP launched the SIS Special Intervention Squad in abuja in January 2024. It was an operation against the bandits and kidnappers who were terrorismg abuja, not against the protesters as being speculated. The Force PRO was never on… pic.twitter.com/sQ6X64ydss
— Prince Olumuyiwa Adejobi (@Princemoye1) August 4, 2024
Thus, the photo is about 5 months old and been recirculated on social media as recent.
THE VERDICT
The claim that the photo shows NPF spokesperson, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, armed with machine gun against ‘End Bad Governance’ protesters is MISLEADING; the photo is about 5 months old.
