Police crack down on fake security alert, arrest suspect in ogun
The Ogun State Police Command has arrested one Johnson Elleh for allegedly circulating a misleading video and raising a false alarm about alleged kidnapping and banditry activities along the Owode-Idiroko axis of the state.
The Command’s Public Relations Officer, DSP Babaseyi Oluseyi, said the viral video, which spread across social media platforms, was immediately subjected to scrutiny, prompting a swift investigation to verify its claims.
He explained that findings from the investigation showed that the content of the video was false, misleading, and deliberately intended to create fear, panic, and anxiety among members of the public.
According to him, further verification confirmed that no incident of kidnapping or banditry occurred within the Owode-Idiroko axis or its surrounding communities, contrary to the claims made in the video.
“The suspect featured in the video was identified by detectives and subsequently arrested,” the statement said.
“Preliminary investigations indicate that he deliberately fabricated and circulated the false narrative for attention and content creation purposes.
“His actions were capable of causing unnecessary public alarm, disrupting social order, and undermining public confidence in the security architecture of the state.”
The PPRO further disclosed that the suspect allegedly confessed during interrogation to intentionally creating and sharing the content to generate online engagement and public reaction.
He added that the suspect would be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations.
The Command also condemned the spread of fake news, false security alerts, and other forms of misinformation capable of inciting fear and confusion among residents.
It warned that individuals or groups involved in the creation or dissemination of unverified security-related information would face the full weight of the law.
“The Command will continue to identify, arrest, investigate, and prosecute all persons found culpable, regardless of status or motive,” the statement added.
