By AFUSAT AGUNBIADE-OLADIPO

The Police Command in Kwara has dismissed as fake and misleading a viral video alleging that women were assaulted during a protest at the Government House in Ilorin.

The command described the footage as digitally manipulated.

This is contained in a statement issued on Tuesday by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, SP. Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, following public outrage over a video that surfaced on social media claiming that security operatives brutalised women protesters at the Government House on Dec. 27, 2025.

The statement said that a forensic analysis of the viral video conclusively establishes it as a digitally manipulated composite.

It said that the footage was deliberately spliced, merging unrelated content of violent altercations with scenes from a separate, peaceful protest to falsely portray an incident at the Government House.

“Additionally, the Command’s review has found that certain images being shared in connection with this specific incident are from unrelated incidents that occurred several months ago.

“This discrepancy is a key part of the ongoing inquiry.

All efforts by our investigative team to locate and interview purported victims, specifically the two women featured in the video clip, have been unsuccessful”, it said.

The Command has received zero official complaints from any individual or group pertaining to this alleged incident, despite public appeals for victims to come forward.

The statement quoted the Commissioner of Police, CP Adekimi Ojo, as reiterating the importance of prior notification and coordination for any planned public demonstrations.

“This standard procedure is essential for the Nigeria Police Force to provide adequate security coverage, to prevent hoodlums from hijacking the procession while ensuring public safety and safeguarding the rights of all citizens.

“The Kwara State Police Command remains dedicated to its duty of maintaining public order and protecting the fundamental rights of all citizens.

“We urge the public to exercise discernment and verify the authenticity of information before dissemination”, it added. (NAN)

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