A note circulated on social networks this Wednesday, February 11, reported the kidnapping of Adama Bictogo, president of the SNEDAI group and former president of the National Assembly. This document, bearing the name of Me Kouamé Fulgence, presented as the politician’s lawyer, claimed that his client had been kidnapped from his home by armed and hooded individuals. The text specified that the incident took place the day before around 8:00 p.m. local time, after the attackers had neutralized the security guards before taking the man to an unknown destination.
Contacted by Financial Afrik, Adama Bictogo’s communication advisor, Alain Toussaint, formally rejected these allegations. Describing this information as “imaginary,” he announced the publication of an official statement in the late afternoon to provide the necessary clarifications.
Thus, Adama Bictogo’s services officially contacted the Cybercrime Fighting Platform (PLCC) in Cocody during the day. This step aimed to report several publications deemed “false” and based on the alleged press release from the lawyer. The dossier submitted to the competent authorities includes the links of the incriminated news sites, the identification of their sources, as well as screenshots from social networks and instant messaging services.
The final statement published by the communication department confirms that these are “Fake News” harmful to Mr. the Deputy-Mayor of Yopougon, his family, and the country’s image. The text emphasizes that these rumors are likely to disturb public order. In conclusion, Mr. Bictogo’s services stated that this disinformation campaign would not go unanswered, thus marking the beginning of a legal procedure against the authors and disseminators of this information.
