In a recent incident that shook the radio world, host Momo from Hit Radio finds himself at the center of controversy after a listener had their phone stolen live on air. This viral video clip on social media sparked outrage and led to an investigation by the judicial police in Casablanca.
The incident occurred while the listener was participating in Momo's live show. Suddenly, their voice was cut off by sounds of running and screams, indicating that a theft had just taken place. The shocked hosts quickly reacted, stating that it was indeed a theft. Shortly after, the listener called back to share their alleged "misadventure" on the air.
According to the listener's account, they were in their car, heading towards Ouled Ziane road in Casablanca when a thief snatched their phone and fled on a motorcycle. In response, Momo generously offered to have the listener come to the radio station in Rabat to receive a new phone.
This incident quickly gained traction, especially on social media, where some accused Momo of staging the whole event to boost the ratings of his show. The judicial police in Casablanca took action by launching an official investigation. In a statement, the police department declared that the statements broadcasted on Hit Radio "undermined citizens' sense of security and insulted an organized institution through false claims."
Preliminary findings from the investigation revealed that the listener had actually used a false identity and falsely reported the theft in collaboration with another individual. Contrary to their claims on Hit Radio, they did not go to the police station to file a complaint. The Casablanca police also apprehended the accomplice who played the role of the thief, a repeat offender known to the police for fraud-related offenses.
The investigation is currently ongoing, with cooperation from the General Directorate for Territorial Surveillance (DGST), to uncover all the circumstances surrounding this incident and identify all the criminal acts that were committed. This case remains one to closely follow.
This incident highlights the challenges that radio hosts may face when interacting with the public live on air. It also raises questions about media responsibility and the need to verify information before broadcasting it. Hit Radio is currently facing sanctions from the High Authority for Audiovisual Communication (HACA) due to this controversial episode of "Morning de Momo."
