The Ogun State Police Command has arrested a man, Johnson Elleh, for allegedly producing and circulating a misleading video falsely claiming the existence of kidnapping and banditry activities along the Owode-Idiroko axis of the state.
According to the Command, the arrest followed a thorough investigation launched after the video went viral on social media, causing concern among residents.
In a statement issued on Wednesday by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi, the Command said it immediately reviewed the contents of the video and commenced an investigation to verify the claims.
The investigation reportedly revealed that the video was false, misleading, and deliberately created to incite fear, panic, and anxiety among members of the public. Police findings further established that no kidnapping or banditry incident had occurred in the Owode-Idiroko area or its surrounding communities as depicted in the video.
Detectives later identified Elleh, who appeared in the video, and subsequently arrested him. Preliminary investigations indicated that he intentionally fabricated and circulated the false narrative to attract attention and generate online engagement.
The police said the suspect’s actions had the potential to cause unnecessary public alarm, disrupt social order, and undermine public confidence in the state’s security architecture.
During interrogation, Elleh reportedly confessed to creating and disseminating the misleading content to provoke public reaction and increase online visibility.
The Command said investigations are ongoing and that the suspect will be charged to court upon their conclusion.
Condemning the spread of fake news and false security alerts, the Ogun State Police Command warned individuals and groups against creating, publishing, or sharing unverified security-related information.
The police stressed that such actions constitute a threat to public peace and security and would attract the full weight of the law.
“The Command will continue to identify, arrest, investigate, and prosecute all persons found culpable, irrespective of status or motive,” the statement said.
The Command also reassured residents that Ogun State remains safe, peaceful, and secure, urging the public to remain calm and rely only on verified information from official sources.
Residents were encouraged to continue their lawful activities without fear while supporting security agencies with credible information.
For emergencies and verified security information, the police advised residents to contact the Ogun State Police Command through its designated emergency lines and the Gateway Shield toll-free service.
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