Ibe Pascal Arogorn, Owerri
The police in Anambra State have arrested Emeka Chinwuba, an aide to the Anambra State Governor , Willie Obiano, for circulating fake information on COVID – 19 at Government House , Awka.
Chinwuba was paraded on Monday at Anambra State Police Command Headquarters , Amawbia, near Awka , the state capital.
He had on January 15 allegedly circulated information on social media, stating that there was COVID -19 scare in the Anambra State Government House.
He had alleged that the wife of the Chief of Staff to the Governor , who lived in the United States had returned to the country for the yuletide and infected the Governor and his wife with the deadly disease .
He also alleged that no fewer thaN 30 government officials had contracted the disease from the same source.
Parading him on Monday , the State Public Relations Officer , Haruna Mohammed said the 56-year – old suspect was arrested following an investigation by the police that required his explanation on the role he allegedly played in the scare .
Mohammed said , “ The suspect had on or about 15/01/2021 originated and circulated on various social media platforms a false and malicious publication captioned “ COVID – 19 in Awka . ”
“ The reproduced message circulated by the suspect read , “ Coronavirus has hit government house Awka with more than 30 senior govt officials including Governor Obiano in isolation .
“ Late Igwe Kelly of Igbariam contracted the virus after visiting the Governor to thank him for lifting his suspension and died three days to the last Ofala celebration.
“ The virus was brought into govt house by Mrs Maureen Odili from the USA who is the wife of Chief of Staff to the Governor .
“ Mr Primus Odili was having sexual affairs with light skin woman and as such Maureen bleached herself and came to show off her new look…etc , ” the circulated message read .
Mohammed said series of other false information was also circulated on the same premise, and inciting messages which were made for the purpose of causing annoyance , criminal intimidation , enmity , hatred, ill will, or needless anxiety contrary to Section 24( 1) ( b ) of the Cybercrime( Prohibition Prevention Etc ) Act , 2015.
The PPRO added , “ The allegations contained therein no doubt require proof and Command intends to get to the root of the matter . The involvement of the suspect so far is to the extent that circulation of both documents has been traced to him . He , therefore , has a duty to explain either his direct involvement in authoring both or otherwise .
“ The public may kindly note that the laws are clear on the issues raised here and will therefore be applied accordingly . The suspect will be charged to court as soon as investigation is concluded , ” Mohammed said .
