The Lagos State Police Command has dismissed reports claiming that the late Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP), Khan Salihu, was kidnapped before his death, describing the story as false, misleading and completely fabricated.
The command said the senior police officer was never abducted and was not involved in any criminal incident before he died.
The clarification was contained in a statement issued on Tuesday by the Police Public Relations Officer in Lagos State, SP Abimbola Adebisi, following the circulation of reports on social media and some news platforms suggesting that the officer had been kidnapped before his death.
According to the police spokesperson, DCP Salihu briefly complained of feeling unwell and was immediately taken to a hospital for urgent medical attention.
She said despite efforts by medical personnel to save him, doctors later confirmed that the senior officer had died.
“For the avoidance of doubt, DCP Salihu was never kidnapped at any time prior to his demise.
“The report is entirely false, misleading and a complete fabrication with no basis in fact whatsoever,” Adebisi stated.
She stressed that there was no truth in the allegation that the deceased officer had been abducted or linked to any form of criminal activity before his death.
“At no time was the deceased officer abducted or linked to any incident involving criminal activity,” she added.
The police expressed concern that such an unverified report could be published and widely circulated without efforts to confirm the facts from relevant authorities.
According to Adebisi, the publication failed to observe basic principles of responsible journalism by not seeking official clarification before presenting the claim as fact.
She noted that the false report had caused unnecessary pain to the late officer’s family, friends and professional colleagues who were still mourning his passing.
The spokesperson described the report as insensitive and unfortunate, particularly at a period when members of the police community were grieving the loss of a respected officer.
“The claim caused unnecessary distress to the family, friends and colleagues of the deceased officer,” she said.
The command also paid tribute to DCP Salihu, describing him as a dedicated officer who served Nigeria with commitment and professionalism throughout his career.
According to the police, the late officer remained faithful to his duties and contributed significantly to maintaining law and order during his years in service.
Adebisi demanded the immediate withdrawal of the report by the media organisation responsible for publishing it.
She also called for a public correction and apology, insisting that media organisations should be held accountable for inaccurate reports capable of causing public anxiety.
The police spokesperson urged journalists and members of the public to verify information before sharing it, especially in the age of social media where false information can spread rapidly.
She advised Nigerians to rely only on official channels for information relating to security matters and the welfare of police personnel.
The incident has once again highlighted growing concerns over the spread of misinformation and fake news in Nigeria.
In recent years, social media platforms have become major sources of information for millions of Nigerians. While these platforms have improved access to news and encouraged public participation in national discussions, they have also made it easier for false claims and misleading reports to gain traction.
Security agencies have repeatedly warned against the circulation of unverified information, arguing that such reports can create panic, damage reputations and undermine public confidence in institutions.
Media experts have also highlighted the importance of fact-checking and verification, especially when reporting sensitive issues involving deaths, security matters and public officials.
Under the ethics of journalism, reporters are expected to seek comments from all relevant parties and confirm the accuracy of information before publication.
Failure to do so, experts say, can lead to misinformation and inflict emotional harm on those directly affected.
The death of DCP Salihu had already generated sadness within the police force and among those who knew him personally.
The emergence of an unverified kidnap narrative further complicated the mourning process and drew criticism from the authorities.
For the Lagos State Police Command, the priority now is to correct the misinformation and ensure that the public is properly informed about the circumstances surrounding the officer’s death.
The command reaffirmed its commitment to providing timely and accurate information to Nigerians and vowed to continue combating the spread of false reports capable of misleading the public.