Facebook User Michael Itok Arrested Over Alleged Misinformation Campaign

Michael Itok, a Facebook user known for his controversial online commentary, has been arrested by security authorities over alleged misinformation and defamatory publications.

According to sources, Itok is currently in custody at the Force Headquarters and is expected to be arraigned on multiple charges linked to recent posts made on his Facebook page.

His arrest follows a series of online publications concerning Victor Thompson, who was recently arraigned by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Uyo Zonal Directorate, on allegations of defrauding American investors of over $525,000 in what the Commission described as a fraudulent mineral and seaport investment scheme. The EFCC had, in a statement published on its official Facebook page on February 2, 2026, disclosed that Thompson was arraigned on an eight-count charge.
In response to the EFCC’s action, Itok allegedly posted claims suggesting that Thompson’s arrest was motivated by personal issues unrelated to the fraud allegations. Authorities, however, consider those claims to be false and capable of misleading the public, particularly as investigations into the fraud case are ongoing.
Investigators maintain that the charges against Thompson relate strictly to alleged financial crimes involving foreign investors. Individuals mentioned in Itok’s posts have denied the claims attributed to them, describing the narrative as fabricated and damaging.
Security sources further indicated that Itok’s recent publications were not limited to the Thompson matter. He reportedly authored additional posts targeting other public figures in Akwa Ibom State, which authorities are reviewing as part of a broader investigation into alleged cyber defamation and blackmail.
Records show that Itok was previously arrested in October 2019 by the Department of State Services (DSS) over alleged defamatory publications against the then-Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Udom Emmanuel. Media reports at the time indicated that he was detained for over 60 days before being granted bail in December 2019 by an Akwa Ibom State High Court in the sum of N500,000.
With the current arrest, authorities say the case underscores renewed efforts by law enforcement agencies to address online misinformation, cyber harassment and related offences under Nigeria’s cybercrime laws.
Meanwhile, members of the public have been advised to rely on verified information from credible sources and avoid spreading unconfirmed claims, especially in matters involving ongoing criminal investigations.