The Ogun State Police Command has arrested a man, Johnson Elleh, for allegedly producing and circulating a false video claiming that kidnappers and bandits were operating along the Owode-Idiroko axis of the state.
The arrest followed an investigation launched by the police after the video went viral on social media, causing concern among residents.
According to a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi, preliminary findings revealed that the video was misleading and deliberately created to incite fear and panic among members of the public.
The police said extensive verification showed that no kidnapping or banditry incident occurred in the area as portrayed in the video.
Investigators subsequently identified Elleh, who appeared in the footage, leading to his arrest.
The Command alleged that the suspect fabricated and circulated the content to attract attention and generate online engagement, adding that his actions were capable of creating unnecessary public alarm and undermining confidence in the state’s security architecture.
“During the investigation, the suspect confessed to intentionally creating and disseminating the misleading content to generate online engagement and public reaction,” the statement said.
The police noted that investigations are ongoing and that the suspect would be charged in court upon completion of the probe.
The Command condemned the spread of fake news and false security alerts, warning that individuals involved in creating, publishing or sharing unverified security-related information would be prosecuted in accordance with the law.
It reassured residents that Ogun State remains peaceful and secure, urging members of the public to remain calm and obtain security information only from official and verified sources.
The police also reiterated their commitment to protecting lives and property while maintaining law and order across the state.
