Lagos to prosecute X user over false flood video
Lagos State Government to Pursue Legal Action Over Misleading Flood Video
The Lagos State Government has announced plans to initiate legal proceedings against a user on social media platform X, following the dissemination of a deceptive flood video that incorrectly claimed to depict conditions in Lagos. Authorities have emphasized that the individual’s deletion of the post, once its falsity was confirmed, will not exempt them from legal repercussions.
Tokunbo Wahab, the Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, made the announcement in a series of posts on Tuesday. Wahab stated that the video, shared by the user identified as “Enugu Loudspeaker (#Jamessucre2),” was actually filmed in Bangladesh, not Lagos.
“The flood video you shared and attributed to Lagos State is actually from Bangladesh,” Wahab clarified. He stressed the importance of verifying the authenticity of such content before sharing, noting that misinformation can mislead the public and hinder constructive discourse surrounding issues affecting the state.
Wahab asserted that the removal of misleading content does not absolve the poster of responsibility. “Appropriate legal action will still be pursued, and this matter will be taken to its logical conclusion in accordance with the law,” he said.
While reiterating the government’s respect for freedom of expression, Wahab highlighted that such rights entail corresponding responsibilities. “Every right comes with corresponding responsibilities and legal limits,” he stated.
He further remarked that the intentional spread of false information not only undermines the efforts of the Lagos State Government but also erodes trust in legitimate concerns raised by residents.
In response to the government’s statement, the user acknowledged that the video did not originate from Nigeria and confirmed the removal of the post, stating, “It’s been confirmed to have happened outside the country. The post has been taken down.”
Nevertheless, the Lagos State Government remains committed to pursuing legal action regarding the matter, labeling it as a case of deliberate misinformation.
