Fake image of women abductors in Rivers State is computer-created, say authorities

The Rivers State Police Command has debunked a widely circulated audio message and accompanying photograph that purportedly shows four female kidnappers disguised as traders, labeling the image as Artificial Intelligence-generated.

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The photograph in question, which was seen by our correspondent, depicts three women dressed in market attire in the Woji area of Port Harcourt seated beside a commercial bus while being interrogated after they were reportedly apprehended, with a caption claiming they are kidnappers disguising as market women.

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However, the police have stated that the photograph and accompanying audio message are false, with a preliminary digital assessment confirming that the image was AI-generated.

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The command has emphasized that no such incident has occurred or been reported anywhere in the state, and has urged members of the public to disregard the content, as it is capable of causing unnecessary panic, fear, and public disorder.

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An investigation has commenced to identify the originator of the false and misleading post, with the command warning that anyone found culpable will be prosecuted in line with Section 24 of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention Act 2015).

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The spokesperson for the Rivers State Police Command, Grace Iringe-Koko Agabe, disclosed this information in a statement issued in Port Harcourt on Saturday, which detailed the command's efforts to verify the claim.

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According to the statement, the command immediately activated its verification process upon receipt of the information, communicating with all Divisional Police Officers, head of departments, and Police Formations across the state to ascertain the authenticity of the claim.

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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, prompting further efforts to establish contact with the originator of the viral voice recording.

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However, all attempts to reach the author of the audio message proved abortive, and a preliminary digital assessment of the photograph revealed clear indicators that it is Artificial Intelligence-generated and should not be regarded as authentic or credible evidence.

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The command has commenced a comprehensive investigation to identify and apprehend the individual(s) responsible for originating and circulating the false and misleading content, with Agabe reassuring residents that the state remains peaceful, safe, and secure.

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Under the leadership of the Commissioner of Police, Rivers State Command, Olugbenga Adepoju, and in line with the policing vision of the Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu, the command remains steadfast in its commitment to intelligence-led policing, proactive crime prevention, and the protection of lives and property.

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The command has cautioned 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, advising citizens to verify information through official channels before disseminating it.

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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.