UDS Demands Apology from Media Outlets Over Wrongful Identification of MPhil Student as Robbery Suspect

The University for Development Studies (UDS) has demanded immediate retractions and public apologies from media outlets, notably Joy News and Citi News, for falsely identifying an MPhil student of the school as a robbery suspect.

In a statement, the university clarified that Mr. Prosper Kaba is a victim of the reported robbery incident that took place along the week, not a suspect or participant. The school says the circulation of his image alongside narratives suggesting his involvement in criminal activity has caused him significant emotional distress and reputational harm.

The University expressed deep concern over the media’s handling of the incident. The press statement noted that the third actual suspect appeared to be omitted from some reports, while Mr. Kaba’s image,identifiable as the first person from the left in the circulated pictures, was wrongfully associated with the alleged perpetrators due to a lack of adequate verification prior to publication.

Signed by Abdul Haye Moomen, the School’s Public Affairs Director, the statement has called on the responsible media houses to immediately retract the misleading publications and issue a clear, unqualified public apology to Mr. Kaba.

The university also demanded that the media correct the narrative by clearly identifying him as a victim and take necessary steps to prevent future lapses in journalistic accuracy.

The university urged all media practitioners to uphold the highest standards of accuracy and fairness, emphasizing that Mr. Kaba deserves justice, dignity, and protection from unwarranted public scrutiny arising from this misinformation.