“Fake Tinubu Audio Suspect Arrested, But Kidnappers Still Roam Free — Nigerians Erupt”
By Passman Akpos
IGP Team Arrests Man Accused of Using AI Voice to Impersonate Tinubu, Nigerians Demand Equal Action Against Bandits and Kidnappers
The announcement by presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga that a police crack team had arrested a suspect accused of impersonating President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has sparked intense reactions across social media, with many Nigerians questioning the government’s security priorities.
On Thursday, Onanuga disclosed that the Inspector-General of Police’s special team arrested one Ifechukwu Dennis in Benin City for allegedly creating and circulating a fake voice recording purported to be that of President Tinubu.
“The IGP crack team has arrested Ifechukwu Dennis who originated the fake voice that he passed on to his gullible targets as President Tinubu’s voice. Dennis was arrested in Benin. The police will issue an official statement,” Onanuga wrote.
While some citizens commended the police for tracking down the suspect, the announcement quickly triggered a wave of criticism from Nigerians who argued that similar energy should be directed toward tackling banditry, kidnapping, and terrorism across the country.
Many social media users questioned why security agencies appeared capable of swiftly locating an alleged impersonator while notorious kidnappers and armed groups continue to operate openly, with some even posting videos on social media platforms.
One commenter wrote: “He was tracked down and arrested before the bandits posting videos on TikTok. We are taking notes.”
bbAnother added: “The police cannot track bandits to arrest them, this is funny.”
Several reactions referenced recent kidnappings and insecurity in different parts of the country, with critics arguing that citizens would be more impressed by the arrest of hostage-takers and violent criminals than an alleged impersonator.
“One would have expected you to be showcasing arrested kidnappers who held innocent schoolchildren hostage, but instead you are celebrating this arrest,” another user stated.
Others accused the government of focusing on what they described as “soft targets” while violent criminals continue to threaten communities.
“Big congratulations to the police on the arrest, but when are they going to arrest the hostage takers and ransom collectors? Arresting soft targets while allowing violent criminals to roam freely amounts to a form of criminal negligence,” a commenter remarked.
Some critics also revived ongoing debates surrounding social media activist Martins Vincent Otse, questioning previous government responses to online critics and demanding equal attention to security challenges confronting ordinary Nigerians.
The development has once again highlighted growing public frustration over insecurity and renewed calls for security agencies to intensify efforts against bandits, terrorists, kidnappers, and other violent criminal networks operating across the country.
As of the time of filing this report, the police had yet to release a detailed official statement regarding the arrest, while debates over the government’s security priorities continued to dominate online discussions.
