The Ogun State Police Command has arrested a man, Johnson Elleh, for allegedly producing and circulating a false video that claimed kidnappers and bandits were operating along the Owode-Idiroko axis of Ogun State.
The arrest comes after the video went viral on social media, triggering concerns among residents and commuters who frequently use the route. The video reportedly alleged heightened insecurity in the area, prompting the police to launch an immediate investigation to verify the claims.
Confirming the development in a statement on Wednesday, the spokesperson for the Ogun State Police Command, DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi, said the Command subjected the viral video to thorough scrutiny and intelligence assessment shortly after it surfaced online.
According to Babaseyi, the investigation revealed that the claims contained in the video were false and intended to create unnecessary fear and panic among members of the public.
“Upon sighting the viral video, the Command immediately commenced investigations to ascertain the authenticity of the claims. Our findings established that the content was false, misleading, and deliberately designed to cause anxiety among residents and road users,” he said.
The police spokesperson explained that extensive verification exercises conducted by security operatives across the Owode-Idiroko corridor and surrounding communities found no evidence of kidnapping or banditry incidents as portrayed in the video.
He noted that detectives were able to identify one of the individuals featured in the footage as Johnson Elleh, leading to his arrest for further questioning.
Preliminary investigations, according to the Command, suggest that the suspect deliberately fabricated the narrative and circulated the video for attention-seeking and content creation purposes.
The police expressed concern over the increasing spread of false security-related information on social media, warning that such actions could undermine public confidence in security agencies, disrupt normal economic activities, and create unnecessary panic within communities.
“The suspect's actions were capable of causing public alarm and disrupting social order. False security reports can have serious consequences, including creating fear among citizens and diverting security resources from genuine emergencies,” the statement added.
The Ogun State Police Command disclosed that the suspect would be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations.
Meanwhile, the Command has issued a stern warning to individuals and groups involved in spreading fake security alerts, stressing that anyone found culpable would face the full weight of the law.
Babaseyi reiterated the commitment of the police to maintaining peace and security across the state, assuring residents that law enforcement agencies remain vigilant and proactive in tackling security challenges.
He also urged members of the public to verify information before sharing it online and to rely only on official sources for security-related updates.
Residents were encouraged to remain calm, continue their lawful activities without fear, and promptly report any suspicious movements or incidents through recognized security channels.
The latest development highlights growing concerns over the misuse of social media platforms to spread misinformation, particularly on issues of public safety. Security experts have repeatedly warned that the dissemination of unverified security reports can fuel panic, damage public trust, and complicate efforts by authorities to effectively address genuine security threats.
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