Operatives of the Ogun State Police Command have arrested a man accused of spreading false information about kidnapping and banditry in the state.
The suspect, identified as Johnson Elleh, was picked up after allegedly producing and circulating a viral video claiming there were kidnappings along the Owode–Idiroko axis of Ogun State.
In a statement on Thursday, police spokesperson Oluseyi Babaseyi said the video was quickly investigated after it began making rounds online. According to him, officers discovered that the claims in the clip were completely false and capable of causing unnecessary panic.
“Upon receipt of the viral video, the Command immediately reviewed its content and launched an investigation to verify the claims. Findings showed that the video was false, misleading, and deliberately designed to create fear among members of the public,” the statement read.
Police further confirmed that there was no kidnapping or banditry incident in the area as suggested in the video.
Investigations later led detectives to identify and arrest the individual behind the content.
Babaseyi explained that preliminary findings suggest the suspect deliberately fabricated the story to attract attention and generate online engagement.
He also said the suspect admitted to creating and sharing the video for content purposes.
The police spokesperson warned residents against spreading unverified security-related information, noting that such actions could trigger panic and disturb public peace.
“The Command will continue to arrest and prosecute anyone found guilty of circulating fake security alerts,” he added.
The suspect is expected to be charged in court once investigations are concluded.
