Obiano’s aide arrested over COVID-19 rumour

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. 

 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.