NIGERIA – A man identified as Peter Rugavah has been arrested by the Delta State Police Command, for faking his mother’s death just to gain sympathy and followers on social media (Twitter, Facebook, etc), following the Coronavirus (COVID-19) lockdown in the state.

This Publication learnt that his actions didn’t only gained him public sympathy but also indicted the police whom he accused of contributing to his mother’s death.

Rugavah posted on Monday, April 25, 2020, both on Twitter and Facebook a long thread that his mother died at police checkpoint while he was trying to get her to the hospital.

He tweeted using the handle, @peterugavah, thus: “This morning my mom who has been managing hypertension for over 20 yrs passed away right there in the car while I was taking her to the hospital this morning
simply because men of the @PoliceNG insisted that I have to part with 20,000 naire before they will let us pass.

“I am in pains right now, I have now become an orphan all because of this lock down. My mom would not have died if we had arrived at the hospital early enough. I even offered to make a transfer these officers refused, thy said it will be traceable, they needed cash.

“Even after pleading with them for over an hour, these heartless officers refused to all us move. They made me sit there and watch my mom pass away before my eyes. I doubt if I will ever be normal again after this. I hate this country”.

The Nigeria Police swift responded to tweet, promising to fish out the culprits: “Members of the public who might have information about the incident as alleged by @peterugavah are also implored to make same available to the police. We are ready to work with members of the public to ensure
that justice is done”.

But it turns out that Peter’s story was a lie even as he received donations from sympathetisers. He later deleted/locked his social media accounts.

A Human Rights activist, Gwamnishu Harrison, who is also the DG, Behind Bars Initiative (BBI), Friday, revealed that Rugavah’s mother is alive and never was she rushed to any hospital.

“Peter said he wanted to gain more followers and seek public sympathy.

“He is currently detained at Delta State Police Command Asaba and will be prosecuted for his actions.

“Kudos to Delta State police command led by CP Hafiz Inuwa for carrying out thorough investigations that led to his arrest”, Gwamnishu said.