The Anambra State Police Command has officially dismissed a viral social media claim alleging that two local government chairmen serving under Governor Charles Chukwuma Soludo were caught with N750 million cash each during the state's governorship election.
False Allegation Circulates on Social Media
The controversial claim originated from a Facebook user named Michael Chibuzo, who posted in the APGA Interactive Forum group boasting over 85,000 members. According to the allegation, two of Governor Soludo's mayors were apprehended while in possession of substantial cash amounts during the election proceedings on Saturday, November 8, 2025.
Governor Soludo, who appointed 21 local government chairpersons referred to as mayors in October 2024, is seeking re-election against 15 other candidates in what has become a closely watched political contest.
Police Investigation Finds No Evidence
Anambra State Police Public Relations Officer, Tochukwu Ikenga, firmly denied the circulating report, stating that police patrol teams deployed across all 21 local government areas had not recorded any such incident.
The police spokesperson confirmed that the viral claim is completely false and urged the public to disregard the unsubstantiated information. This position was further supported by the Nigerian Fact-Checkers Coalition, which also could not verify the authenticity of the arrest claims.
Election Integrity Under Scrutiny
The timing of the false allegation raised concerns about attempts to influence public perception during the crucial election. Similar claims about electoral malpractice have surfaced in previous Nigerian elections, often spreading rapidly through social media platforms before verification.
Police authorities have maintained that their personnel remain vigilant across Anambra State to ensure the election process remains peaceful and transparent. Voters and observers have been encouraged to report any genuine incidents of electoral misconduct through official channels rather than relying on unverified social media posts.
The debunked claim highlights the ongoing challenge of misinformation during election periods and the importance of verifying information through official sources before sharing.
