The Ogun State Police Command has arrested a man, identified as Johnson Elleh, for allegedly producing and circulating a misleading video that falsely claimed kidnapping and banditry activities were taking place 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, triggering concerns among residents and road users.
In a statement issued on Tuesday by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi, the Command said it immediately subjected the video to scrutiny and carried out extensive verification of the claims contained in it.
The investigation revealed that the video was false, misleading, and deliberately created to generate fear, panic, and anxiety among members of the public. Police authorities further established that no kidnapping or banditry incident had occurred in the Owode-Idiroko area or its environs as portrayed in the footage.
Detectives subsequently identified and arrested Elleh, who reportedly appeared in the video. Preliminary findings indicated that he intentionally fabricated and circulated the false narrative to attract attention and boost online engagement.
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The Command stated that the suspect confessed during interrogation to creating and disseminating the content for content creation purposes and public reaction.
Police said his actions had the potential to cause unnecessary public alarm, disrupt social order, and undermine public confidence in the state’s security architecture.
DSP Babaseyi noted that investigations are ongoing and that the suspect would be charged to court upon their conclusion.
The Ogun State Police Command condemned the deliberate spread of fake news, false security alerts, and other forms of misinformation capable of causing fear, confusion, and panic among law-abiding citizens.
The Command also issued a stern warning to individuals and groups involved in creating, publishing, sharing, or recirculating unverified security-related information, stressing that such acts constitute a threat to public peace and security and would attract legal consequences.
“The Command will continue to identify, arrest, investigate, and prosecute all persons found culpable, irrespective of status or motive,” the statement said.
While acknowledging concerns raised by residents following the circulation of the video, the police reassured the public that Ogun State remains safe, peaceful, and secure.
Residents were urged to remain calm, go about their lawful activities without fear, and rely only on verified information disseminated through official channels.
The Command reiterated its commitment to protecting lives and property while maintaining public order across the state.
