MINNA: A report by an online media platform, ‘hotnewsinnaija.com’ reported that a french National who is a pilot was arrested in Niger State for supplying arms to bandits.
The report which has been shared a dozen times across social media platforms including Facebook and Twitter claims that the arrest was made in the Shiroro Local Government Area of Niger State.
The report read “BREAKING: PILOT WHO SUPPLIES WEAPONS TO BANDITS ARRESTED IN NIGER STATE (VIDEO)
“The Indigenous People of Niger State has reportedly arrested a helicopter Pilot who supplies weapons to bandits in the state.
“In a viral video circulating on the Internet, a Pilot identified as Juan Remy has been arrested with his helicopter fully loaded with many dangerous arms and ammunition.
“It was further gathered that the suspect is a French National.
“Details later…”
The report was also published on other platforms which included “‘newstines.com.ng” and ‘9news.com.ng’
Verdict: False.
Checks by giranhypehouse revealed that the suspect in the viral posts is a French national identified as Juan Remy Quignolot.
As reported by reputable international news agencies, Reuters and APnews, Quignolot was arrested in the Central African Republic (CAR), Bangui to be precise, in May 2021 after he was found in possession of weapons and some foreign cash.
Authorities in CAR had accused him of supporting rebel fighters in the country.
A month after his arrest, Quignolot would be charged with espionage, illegal possession of weapons of war, associating with criminals, conspiracy, and attack on the internal security of the State.
The Niger State Police Command has also debunked the incident.
“Niger State Police Command wishes to respond that nothing of this nature is recorded in Niger State.
“Kindly disregard please” a post made on its Facebook page on Friday evening read.
Conclusion: Based on our findings, the arrest was not made in Niger State, but in the Central African Republic, more than a year ago.
