Fake flood video – The Trumpet Newspaper Nigeria

The Lagos State Government has threatened legal action against an X user for allegedly sharing a fake flood video falsely claiming to depict flooding in Lagos, warning that deleting misleading content after it has been widely circulated does not exempt offenders from prosecution.

Key Highlights:

• Lagos Government threatens legal action over fake flood video shared on X.
• Commissioner Tokunbo Wahab says the viral footage originated from Bangladesh, not Lagos.
• Government insists deleting the post does not shield the user from prosecution.
• X user admitted the error and removed the misleading post.
• Lagos warns against the spread of misinformation capable of misleading the public.
• State vows to pursue the matter in accordance with the law.

The Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, disclosed the government’s position in a series of posts on X on Tuesday, stressing that the dissemination of false information undermines public trust and the government’s efforts to address genuine environmental concerns.

According to Wahab, the video shared by the X user, popularly known as “Enugu Loudspeaker” (@Jamessucre2), was falsely attributed to Lagos State.

“The flood video you shared and attributed to Lagos State is actually from Bangladesh. We kindly encourage you to verify the authenticity and origin of such content before sharing it, as the dissemination of inaccurate information can mislead the public and undermine genuine discussions about issues affecting Lagos,” the commissioner stated.

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Wahab maintained that while the government respects citizens’ constitutional right to freedom of expression, such rights must be exercised responsibly and within the confines of the law.

He noted that the deliberate spread of false information not only misinforms residents but also weakens the credibility of legitimate complaints raised by citizens regarding environmental and infrastructural challenges.

“While we acknowledge and respect everyone’s right to freedom of expression, it is important to recognise that every right comes with corresponding responsibilities and legal limits,” Wahab said.

The commissioner further warned that deleting the misleading post after it had already attracted public attention would not prevent the state government from taking legal action.

“Taking down the post after misleading the public does not absolve you of the responsibility. Appropriate legal action will still be pursued, and this matter will be taken to its logical conclusion in accordance with the law,” he added.

Following the government’s clarification, the X user admitted that the viral footage did not originate from Nigeria and subsequently deleted the post.

“It’s been confirmed to have happened outside the country. The post has been taken down,” the user wrote.

Despite the retraction, the Lagos State Government reaffirmed its determination to prosecute the matter, saying the spread of misinformation, particularly through social media, carries serious consequences and must be discouraged.