The police spokesperson in Akwa Ibom State, Timfon John, says she received more than 3,000 phone calls within 24 hours after publishing her phone number on X (formerly Twitter) and Facebook on 4 August.
John, a deputy superintendent of police, said most of the callers were men seeking to profess their love. “100 calls in 10 mins? Abeg, make una try breathe,” she wrote on X shortly after posting the number. Responding to a colleague’s comment, she added, “Sir, calls wan wound me.”
Her post quickly gained traction, drawing more than 1,500 comments and 1.3 million views on X, and over 4,000 comments on Facebook. Many users asked whether she was married, while others openly attempted to “shoot their shot.”
One user noted she was not wearing a ring, while another asked, “What crime can I commit that will make me be in your custody forever?” Another commenter wrote that the calls were the “price she had to pay for being beautiful.”
John told PREMIUM TIMES she remained focused despite the flood of calls. “I have a record of more than 3,000 calls,” she said, adding that many callers wanted to confirm her identity or propose marriage.
She said she manages off-topic or inappropriate callers by staying calm. “We need to understand that these people are human. We are not wired the same way,” she said. On abusive comments, she added: “I don’t let those things get to me… If somebody abuses me, I will say thank you and leave.”
The police spokesperson said compliments and flirtatious remarks on social media do not interfere with her professionalism.
Local journalists describe John as approachable and effective. “She picks up my calls anytime I call her to confirm a story,” said Iniabasi Umo. Idongesit Ashameri of Daily Independent said John has shown strong interpersonal skills and earned admiration for balancing her duties with support for the media.
John was appointed spokesperson of the Akwa Ibom police command in 2023.
