TheCable

A political group has petitioned security agencies over an alleged spread of fake news by Femi Fani-Kayode, former aviation minister.

The group, known as Initiative to Save Democracy, called on the Department of State Services (DSS) to arrest Fani-Kayode.

James Akinloye, president of the group, said he will drag Fani-Kayode to court.

“There are laws in this country and if anyone thinks they are bigger than the law, then we have a problem. The law enforcement agencies should do their job and arrest the likes Fani-Kayode, Deji Adeyanju and others for their hate messages and fake news,” he said in a statement.

Quoting the 2015 Nigerian Cybercrime Act, Akinloye noted that Fani-Kayode had breached certain provisions and should be arrested and charged.

“The Act forbids the distribution of racist and xenophobic material to the public through a computer system or network (e.g. Facebook and Twitter), it also prohibits the use of threats of violence and insulting statements to persons based on race, religion, colour, descent or national or ethnic origin. Persons found guilty of this are liable on conviction to imprisonment for a term of not less than 5 years or to a fine of not less than N10million or to both fine and imprisonment.”

He said the group will petition Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and other social media platforms over the matter, stressing that it is a national security risk.

“They need to know how divisive his messages are, and they need to understand why his accounts should be deleted immediately,” he said.

“We have a fragile but steady democracy and we should protect it with all our hearts and this includes halting fake news and hate speeches. We have seen what these kinds of things can cause, and we do not wish it on our country.”