Hollywood-esque drama unfolded on social media as a “wanted” poster targeting Nollywood star Iyabo Ojo exploded online—only for the Nigeria Police Force to swiftly dismiss it as false, misleading, and entirely fabricated. The Force took to its official Facebook page on August 21, 2025, to debunk the claim and implore the public to verify stories through legitimate channels.
The viral notice purportedly came from the Office of the Inspector General of Police Monitoring Unit and featured Iyabo’s image accompanied by bold “WANTED” lettering. The post circulated widely across Instagram, WhatsApp, Twitter, and Facebook, sparking confusion and concern among fans and followers.
In a firm rebuke, the NPF wrote: “FAKE NEWS ALERT! This ‘WANTED’ poster of actress Iyabo Ojo did not emanate from the Nigeria Police Force. It is false, misleading & was never posted on any official NPF platform. Disregard & stop spreading fake news.” The force urged users to rely solely on its official communication platforms when consuming or forwarding information.
Iyabo Ojo—well-known for her bold public persona and social media presence—was not arrested nor is she under investigation. The actress has remained silent for now, perhaps relieved that law enforcement has clarified the matter before it escalated into rumor-driven turmoil.
Media analysts noted that this incident reflects a growing crisis: public figures can quickly become targets of viral misinformation engineered for clicks. Some speculate the poster may have been created as a prank—or worse—as part of a smear campaign. Regardless, the NPF’s prompt response signals a heightened sensitivity to fake news in an era where unverified claims can spiral out of control.
Digital rights advocates seized the moment to call for more rigorous social media verification tools and education. “We’re witnessing how a fabricated notice can threaten reputations in seconds,” one campaigner said. “It’s time for tech platforms and users to exercise greater caution — and for platforms to flag clearly when content is unverified.”
For now, the NPF’s statement should serve as both a shield for Iyabo Ojo’s reputation and a wake-up call. As online rumours continue to swirl in our digital era, it’s become vital for users to pause, verify, and think twice before they amplify potentially harmful lies.
