Ogun Police Commissioner Warns Journalists Against Fake News, Sensationalism

ABEOKUTA, Ogun State — The Ogun State Commissioner of Police, Bode Ojajuni, has urged journalists to strengthen fact-checking and professional reporting, warning that misinformation and sensational coverage could heighten tensions and complicate efforts to maintain security across the state.

Ojajuni made the appeal on Tuesday at the Police Command Headquarters in Eleweran, Abeokuta, during a visit by newly elected members of the Correspondents’ Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Ogun State Council.

The meeting focused on the relationship between the police and the media, particularly the role of responsible journalism in promoting public safety, building trust and supporting crime-fighting efforts.

Police raise concerns over unverified reports

Ojajuni called on journalists to uphold the fundamental principles of their profession, including accuracy, objectivity and developmental reporting, amid growing concerns about misinformation on digital platforms.

According to the commissioner, reports published without proper verification could undermine security operations and inflame tensions, particularly when sensitive incidents are involved.

His remarks highlight the importance of checking information with credible sources before publishing reports concerning crime, public safety and ongoing security activities.

In an environment where information can spread rapidly through social media and online news platforms, inaccurate reports may create confusion among residents and make it more difficult for authorities and the public to respond appropriately to developing situations.

The commissioner did not identify any specific publication or journalist accused of spreading fake news during the meeting.

Police reaffirm partnership with the media

Beyond his warning, Ojajuni described journalists as important partners in the fight against crime and assured the visiting delegation that the command was willing to maintain cooperation with the media.

He said sustained engagement between both institutions was important to protecting lives and property.

Such cooperation can help journalists obtain verified information from official sources while enabling the police to communicate security developments to residents. However, responsible reporting also requires independent verification, appropriate context and a clear distinction between confirmed facts and official claims.

The meeting therefore underscored the importance of maintaining professional communication between law enforcement authorities and news organisations.

NUJ Correspondents’ Chapel pledges responsible reporting

Earlier, the Chairman of the NUJ Correspondents’ Chapel in Ogun State, Yetunde Fatungase, commended the police for their efforts to curb crime and reaffirmed the chapel’s commitment to accurate and professional journalism.

Fatungase said the visit was intended to strengthen the existing relationship between the police and the media, noting that both institutions had important roles to play in promoting peace, security and national development.

She also acknowledged the police’s responsibility for protecting lives and property while emphasising the media’s duty to provide the public with reliable information.

Her remarks reflected a shared interest in improving communication and maintaining public confidence, although the two institutions carry different responsibilities: the police enforce the law, while journalists report events and hold public institutions accountable.

Why the warning matters to Ogun residents

The commissioner’s appeal comes amid the broader challenge of verifying information in a fast-moving digital news environment. Reports about alleged crimes, security incidents and public disturbances can circulate widely before the facts are established.

For residents, the consequences of misinformation may include unnecessary fear, confusion and the spread of allegations that have not been substantiated. For journalists, publishing unverified claims can damage credibility and expose news organisations to professional and legal risks.

Responsible reporting does not mean withholding information simply because it concerns a security agency. Rather, it requires confirming facts, seeking responses from relevant parties, correcting errors promptly and clearly identifying information that remains unverified.

The police-media relationship is most effective when communication is timely and transparent, while journalists retain their professional independence and commitment to the public interest.

What happens next?

The visit provides an opportunity for continued engagement between the Ogun State Police Command and the NUJ Correspondents’ Chapel. However, no specific new reporting protocol, joint initiative or implementation timetable was announced in the account of the meeting.

The practical test will be whether both institutions sustain communication and whether news reports about security developments are supported by verifiable evidence and adequate context.

For now, Ojajuni’s message is a call for journalists to resist sensationalism and misinformation, while the chapel has reiterated its commitment to responsible journalism.

LMSINT Media will continue to follow developments involving public safety, media professionalism and security communication in Ogun State.