The Ogun State Police Command has arrested a man identified as Johnson Elleh for allegedly producing and circulating a false video claiming that kidnapping and banditry activities were taking place along the Owode-Idiroko corridor of the state.
Authorities said the video, which gained attention on social media, triggered an immediate investigation to determine the authenticity of the claims and assess any potential security threat in the area.
Speaking on the development, the Police Public Relations Officer in Ogun State, DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi, said detectives thoroughly reviewed the footage and carried out extensive verification exercises following the circulation of the video.
The investigation, according to the police, found no evidence of any kidnapping or banditry incident along the Owode-Idiroko axis or surrounding communities as portrayed in the viral content.
Babaseyi explained that further inquiries revealed that the suspect appeared in the video and was subsequently identified by investigators, leading to his arrest.
“Extensive investigation and verification further established that there was no kidnapping or banditry incident as portrayed in the video within the Owode-Idiroko axis or its environs,” the police spokesperson said.
“Further investigation revealed that the suspect was featured in the video and was subsequently identified by detectives, leading to his arrest. Preliminary findings indicate that he deliberately fabricated and circulated the false narrative for attention and content creation purposes.”
The police described the act as dangerous, noting that the dissemination of false security information could cause panic among residents, disrupt public order, and erode confidence in the state’s security system.
Babaseyi disclosed that the suspect would be charged to court after investigations are concluded. He also warned content creators, social media users, and groups against spreading unverified security-related information capable of misleading the public.
The Ogun State Police Command reaffirmed its commitment to identifying, investigating, and prosecuting anyone found responsible for spreading false security alerts, regardless of their status or motive.
Residents were urged to remain calm and continue their normal activities while relying on verified information released through official government and security channels.
