LAGOS, Nigeria – The Nigeria Police Force Command in Lagos State has issued an apology following a false report concerning the arrest of popular #EndSARS activist, Obianuju Udeh, widely known as DJ Switch.
The erroneous information, initially disseminated by the Police Public Relations Officer for the Lagos State Command, SP Benjamin Hundeyin, had claimed DJ Switch’s arrest, causing a brief media frenzy.
The mistake came to light after DJ Switch clarified on social media that she had not been arrested, countering the police’s earlier statements.
Responding to the controversy, SP Hundeyin took to his X account to clarify and apologize, stating, “There is a mixup from our end. Arrested person is DJ Commissioner Wysei not DJ Switch. Apologies for all inconveniences to a few media outfits like Lindaikeji, BBC, and TVC that I gave confirmation this morning. Apologies to DJ Switch too.”
There is a mixup from our end. Arrested person is DJ Commissioner Wysei not DJ Switch.
Apologies for all inconveniences to a few media outfits like Lindaikeji, BBC and TVC that I gave confirmation this morning.
Apologies to DJ Switch too. 🙏🏻
— SP Benjamin Hundeyin (@BenHundeyin) April 18, 2024
This public apology was issued at 10:19 am, in an attempt to rectify the spread of the incorrect news.
DJ Switch replied to Hundeyin’s apology saying, “Thank you! Apologies accepted.”
Thank you! Apologies accepted. https://t.co/OwQOBHKaTK
— Dj Switch (@dj_switchaholic) April 18, 2024
DJ Switch also addressed the issue on her X handle, expressing her dismay over the false reports and the broader implications of such journalistic errors.
She stated, “I was woken up by a barrage of calls and texts this morning… Only to find that I, have been arrested. One of the links that was sent to me alleged that I had assaulted the police. Now, while I am not a fan of many of our police men and women, I do not condone nor do I support violence against the police.”
Good morning all.
I was woken up by a barrage of calls and text this morning. I wondered why because I know today is not my birthday. Only to find that I, have been arrested 🫤.
One of the links that was sent to me alleged that I had assaulted the police. Now, while I am not…
— Dj Switch (@dj_switchaholic) April 18, 2024
She criticized the media’s rush for traffic and the dangers of unchecked reporting.
DJ Switch warned that the blogs spreading the false news had until the end of the day to correct their reports or face potential legal action for defamation of character.
