Lagos State Police Command has issued an apology regarding a misunderstanding surrounding the arrest of Nigerian disc jockey, Obianuju Catherine Udeh, popularly known as DJ Switch.
Reports circulating on Thursday morning suggested that DJ Switch had been arrested and brought before the magistrate court in Eti Osa on charges related to assaulting female officers in connection with a fraud case.
However, the Lagos Police Public Relations Officer, SP Benjamin Hundeyin, took to social media to clarify the situation and extend apologies.
Hundeyin clarified that the person arrested was not DJ Switch but rather “DJ Commissioner Wysei,” whose arrest had been mistaken for DJ Switch’s.
In a statement on his X (formerly Twitter) handle, Hundeyin stated, “There is a mixup from our end. The arrested person is DJ Commissioner Wysei, not DJ Switch.
“Apologies for all the inconveniences to a few media outfits like Linda Ikeji, BBC and TVC that I gave confirmation this morning. Apologies to DJ Switch too.”
DJ Switch’s Response
DJ Switch, known for her prominent role during the EndSARS protests in Lagos in 2020, also addressed the situation on her Instagram page.
She refuted the reports of her arrest and criticized certain segments of the Nigerian media for their lack of investigative rigor before reporting information.
Expressing her disappointment, DJ Switch revealed that her legal team had gathered evidence of the false reports, potentially paving the way for legal action for defamation of character against the media outlets.
She issued an ultimatum to the media for retracting the false reports and replacing them with accurate updates regarding the situation by Thursday, April 18.
DJ Switch wrote, “Good morning all. I was woken up by a barrage of calls and texts this morning. I wondered why because I know today is not my birthday. Only to find that I, have been arrested
“One of the links that was sent to me alleged that I had assaulted the police. Now, while I am not a fan of many of our police men and women, I do not condone nor do I support violence against the police.
“Our blogs have such an unhealthy appetite for traffic that they can’t even spend the transport fare. It would cost them to go investigate and make certain of the news they share to the public. This false reporting is dangerous and negatively shapes narratives.
“Many people want so badly to believe I am just like those I’ve fought against or believing that I have sacrificed all I have ever worked for just to bring down Nigeria. This is false.
“That being said, my lawyers have screenshotted every blog they can find this false news and this is defamation of my character.
“These blogs have till the end of day to take down this false news and kindly replace it with a post correcting their mistake.
“I am not looking for cheap publicity, I hate clout chasing and I actually am not an ass because I was advised to sue immediately which would cost them all a lot. So please do the needful and let us learn. Thank you!”.