The Ogun State Police Command has arrested another suspect in its ongoing crackdown on the spread of fake security alerts and misinformation, following the apprehension of one Johnson Elleh for allegedly producing and circulating a false video claiming widespread kidnapping and banditry activities along the Owode-Idiroko axis of the state.
In a statement signed by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi, the command said it immediately launched an investigation after the video went viral to verify the claims contained in it.
According to the police, findings from the investigation revealed that the video was false, misleading and deliberately created to generate fear, panic and anxiety among members of the public. The command said extensive verification confirmed that no kidnapping or banditry incident had occurred in the Owode-Idiroko area or its environs as portrayed in the footage.
The statement disclosed that the suspect, who appeared in the video, was identified by detectives and subsequently arrested. Preliminary investigations indicated that he deliberately fabricated and circulated the false narrative to attract attention and create content for online engagement.
Police authorities noted that the misleading video was capable of causing unnecessary public alarm, disrupting social order and undermining confidence in the state’s security architecture.
The command further stated that during interrogation, the suspect reportedly confessed to intentionally creating and disseminating the false content to generate public reaction and online traffic.
It added that investigations are ongoing and that the suspect will be charged to court upon conclusion of the process.
The Ogun State Police Command strongly condemned the deliberate spread of fake news, false security alerts and other forms of misinformation, warning that such actions constitute a threat to public peace and security.
The command warned individuals and groups involved in creating, publishing or sharing unverified security-related information that they would face the full weight of the law. It stressed that it would continue to identify, arrest, investigate and prosecute anyone found culpable, regardless of status or motive.
While acknowledging the concerns of residents who may have been alarmed by the viral video, the police reassured the public that Ogun State remains safe, peaceful and secure. Residents were urged to remain calm, continue their lawful activities without fear and rely only on verified information from official channels.
The command also reaffirmed its commitment to protecting lives and property and maintaining public order across the state.
