Ogun Police Arrest Man Over Alleged False Kidnap Alert, Warn Against Fake News

The Ogun State Police Command has arrested a man, Johnson Elleh, for allegedly producing and circulating a false video claiming that kidnappings and bandit attacks were taking place along the Owode-Idiroko corridor of the state.

The Command said the arrest followed an investigation launched after the video went viral on social media, sparking concern among residents.

According to the police, a thorough review of the video and subsequent verification exercises revealed that the claims were false and intended to create fear, panic and anxiety among members of the public.

The investigation reportedly established that no kidnapping or banditry incident occurred in the Owode-Idiroko area as portrayed in the video.

Police detectives later identified and arrested Elleh, who was featured in the footage. Preliminary findings indicated that the suspect deliberately fabricated and circulated the content to attract attention and generate online engagement.

The Command said the suspect’s actions had the potential to undermine public confidence in the state’s security architecture and disrupt public order.

During interrogation, the suspect allegedly confessed to creating and sharing the misleading video to attract public reaction on social media.

Police spokesperson, DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi, said investigations were ongoing and that the suspect would be charged to court upon completion of the process.

The Command condemned the spread of fake news and false security alerts, warning that individuals involved in creating, publishing or sharing unverified security-related information would face prosecution.

It stressed that misinformation poses a threat to public peace and security and vowed to continue identifying, arresting and prosecuting offenders regardless of their status or motive.

The police also reassured residents that Ogun State remains safe and secure, urging the public to disregard unverified reports and rely on information released through official channels.

Residents were encouraged to remain calm and continue their lawful activities while supporting security agencies with credible information.