Gwamna Petitions IGP, Seeks INTERPOL Probe Over Alleged Cyber Smear Campaign
By Ahmad Tijjani Abdul
KANO— The All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate in Gombe State, Dr. Jamilu Isyaku Gwamna, has petitioned the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, over an alleged campaign of cyberbullying, criminal defamation and fake news, which he says is aimed at undermining his candidacy ahead of the 2027 governorship election.
Sources familiar with the petition told Independent that Dr. Gwamna has enjoined the Nigeria Police National Cybercrime Centre to open an immediate investigation and collaborate with the International Criminal Police Organization (INTERPOL), following intelligence indicating that some of those allegedly responsible for the online attacks may be operating from outside Nigeria.
The sources said, the petition followed the circulation of social media posts alleging that the APC governorship candidate had been arrested and detained by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), claims the petition described as entirely false and deliberately fabricated.
“The publications constitute a coordinated campaign of disinformation intended to mislead the public, inflict reputational damage and distort public perception through false narratives,” a source with knowledge of the petition said.
The petition reportedly requested investigators to obtain subscriber information, IP logs and other digital records from Meta Platforms and other relevant technology service providers to establish the identities of those behind the disputed publications.
It also urged the police to identify the alleged sponsors and financiers of the campaign, prosecute anyone found culpable under the law and ensure the removal of the offending content from online platforms.
Supporters of the APC candidate expressed confidence that the investigation would expose those behind what they described as a calculated smear campaign, insisting that the electorate would ultimately judge candidates on their leadership credentials, integrity and vision for Gombe State.
As at press time, neither the Nigeria Police Force nor the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission had issued an official statement on the petition as of the time this report was filed.
