The Ogun State Police Command has arrested a man identified as Johnson Elleh for allegedly producing and circulating a misleading video claiming that kidnappers and bandits were operating along the Owode–Idiroko corridor of the state.
According to the police, the viral video was subjected to immediate verification after it surfaced online and was found to contain false claims intended to create fear and panic among residents.
In a statement issued by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, CSP Omolola Odutola, the police said investigations confirmed that no kidnapping or banditry incident occurred in the area or surrounding communities as portrayed in the video.The command disclosed that detectives traced and arrested the suspect following intelligence-led investigations. Preliminary findings revealed that he deliberately created and shared the video to attract attention and increase engagement on social media.
Police authorities noted that the false security alert had the potential to cause unnecessary panic, disrupt public order, and erode public confidence in the state’s security architecture.
During interrogation, the suspect reportedly admitted that the video was fabricated and circulated to generate online traffic and reactions.The command said investigations are still ongoing and that the suspect will be charged in court upon completion of the process.The police also condemned the increasing spread of fake news and unverified security reports, warning that such actions pose a serious threat to public safety and social stability.“The Command strongly condemns the deliberate spread of fake news, false security alerts, and other forms of misinformation capable of causing fear, panic, and confusion among law-abiding citizens,” the statement said.The command further warned individuals and groups involved in creating or sharing unverified security information to desist, stressing that offenders would be identified, arrested, and prosecuted in accordance with the law.
Reassuring residents, the police maintained that Ogun State remains peaceful and secure, urging members of the public to disregard panic-inducing reports and rely only on information from verified official sources.The command encouraged residents to continue their lawful activities without fear while cooperating with security agencies by reporting genuine security concerns through established channels.
