The Ogun State Police have arrested a man named Johnson Elleh for making and sharing a false video about kidnapping and banditry on the Owode-Idiroko road in Ogun State.
DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi, the spokesperson for the police in the state, shared this news in a statement on Thursday.
Recently, the police also caught another man, Qawiyu Oloyede, who lives on Sokoto Road in Atan-Ota. He had posted a fake bandit attack on social media that caused fear and worry about a bandit invasion that was not real.
Oloyede, who works as a tailor, told the police that he made the video to attract more followers on social media.
Talking about the new arrest, Babaseyi said that when they got the viral video, they quickly checked it and started an investigation to confirm the claims in it.
He said, “Findings showed that the video was false, misleading, and aimed at creating fear, panic, and anxiety among the public.
“Further checks found that there was no kidnapping or banditry incident as shown in the video in the Owode-Idiroko area or nearby.
“The investigation revealed that the suspect was in the video and was identified by detectives, leading to his arrest.
“Initial findings suggest that he made and shared the false story for attention and to create content. His actions could cause unnecessary public alarm, disrupt social order, and weaken trust in the state's security.”
During the investigation, Elleh reportedly admitted that he created and spread the misleading video to get people talking online.
The investigation is still going on, and the suspect will be taken to court once it is finished.
The police condemned the spread of fake news, false security warnings, and any misinformation that can cause fear and confusion among law-abiding citizens.
They have issued a strong warning to individuals and groups involved in creating, sharing, or spreading unverified security information. Such actions threaten public peace and security and will face legal consequences.
The Command promised to go after those who spread false information on social media, warning that they will face the law regardless of their status or reasons.
The Command understands that residents might have been scared by the fake video and wants to assure everyone that the state is safe and secure.
Residents are encouraged to stay calm, go about their daily activities without fear, and rely only on verified information from official sources.
“The Command is dedicated to protecting lives and property and maintaining order throughout the state,” he added.
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