By Seun Ibiyemi
The Ogun State Police Command has arrested a man identified as Johnson Elleh for allegedly producing and circulating a misleading video falsely claiming that kidnappers and bandits were operating along the Owode-Idiroko corridor of the state.
The command said investigations revealed that the viral video, which generated anxiety among residents, was deliberately fabricated and designed to create fear, panic, and confusion within the affected communities.
According to the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi, the command launched an immediate investigation after the video surfaced on social media, subjecting its contents to detailed scrutiny and verification.
Babaseyi said findings from the investigation established that no kidnapping or banditry incident occurred along the Owode-Idiroko axis as portrayed in the video.
He noted that detectives were able to identify and arrest the suspect after discovering that he featured prominently in the video.
Preliminary investigations, according to the police, indicated that Elleh intentionally created and circulated the false content to attract public attention and increase online engagement.
The command disclosed that the suspect confessed during interrogation to fabricating the story for content creation purposes and to generate reactions on social media.
Police authorities warned that the circulation of false security alerts and fake news could undermine public confidence in security agencies, disrupt social order, and create unnecessary panic among citizens.
The command stressed that such actions constitute a threat to public peace and security and would not be tolerated.
Babaseyi said the suspect would be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations.
The police also issued a stern warning to individuals and groups involved in the creation, publication, or dissemination of unverified security-related information, emphasizing that offenders would face prosecution regardless of their status or motive.
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While acknowledging the concerns of residents who may have been alarmed by the viral video, the command reassured the public that Ogun State remains peaceful and secure.
It urged residents to remain calm, continue their lawful activities without fear, and rely only on verified information from official channels.
The command reiterated its commitment to protecting lives and property and maintaining public order across the state through proactive policing and intelligence-driven operations.
