The Bayelsa State Police have arrested a 23-year-old university student for making and sharing a false report on social media. This report claimed that bandits had invaded parts of the state and were being held by militants who wanted a N50 million ransom.
The Commissioner of Police, Daniel Iyamah, shared this news during a press conference in Yenagoa on Friday.
Iyamah explained that the fake news appeared on June 5, 2026, and caused a lot of panic. It also disrupted business and school activities in various parts of the state.
The police commissioner said the false claims suggested that armed bandits had entered Bayelsa communities and were captured by militants asking for N50 million for their release.
"The publication generated widespread concern among residents and triggered panic in several communities," Iyamah said.
He noted that the fake news caused a lot of worry, especially in Polaku Community and nearby areas. Parents rushed to schools to pick up their children, and businesses temporarily shut down due to fear.
"As a result of the false report, parents in Polaku Community and its surroundings rushed to schools to pick up their children, while commercial activities were temporarily disrupted, and many citizens became apprehensive about their safety," he added.
Iyamah mentioned that the police quickly sent out teams to confirm the claims.
"Following extensive on-the-spot assessments and intelligence gathering, it became evident that the information being circulated was entirely false," he said.
The police commissioner identified the suspect as Promise Etete, a 23-year-old student in the 300-level at the University of Uyo. He is from Akwa Ibom State.
"Through intelligence-led policing, digital investigation and technical tracking, detectives successfully identified, tracked and arrested Promise Etete in connection with originating and posting the misleading report," he said.
Iyamah added that the suspect is currently at the State Criminal Investigation Department and has provided helpful information for ongoing investigations.
He warned people against misusing social media, saying the police will not allow false information that can cause public fear.
"Let me state clearly that cyberspace is not beyond the reach of law enforcement.
"I, therefore, warn individuals who use social media irresponsibly to stop such acts. I also urge residents to verify security-related information before sharing it," he said.
The commissioner assured residents that there was no bandit invasion, no attack on schools, and no threat to public safety as claimed in the viral report.
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