The Ogun State Police Command has apprehended Johnson Elleh for allegedly creating and sharing a deceptive video that falsely claimed kidnappings and bandit attacks were occurring along the Owode–Idiroko corridor in the state.
The command’s spokesperson, DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi, announced the arrest in a statement issued on Thursday.
The development comes shortly after the police arrested Qawiyu Oloyede of Sokoto Road, Atan-Ota, for spreading a fabricated report of a bandit attack on social media, which authorities said was intended to stir fear and panic over a non-existent security threat.
According to the police, Oloyede, a tailor, admitted that he produced and posted the fake video in an attempt to attract more followers to his social media accounts.
Speaking on the latest arrest, Babaseyi said that upon receipt of the viral video, the command immediately subjected its contents to scrutiny and commenced a swift investigation to verify the claims contained therein.
He stated, “Findings revealed that the video was false, misleading, and deliberately designed to create fear, panic, and anxiety among members of the public.
“Extensive investigation and verification further established that there was no kidnapping or banditry incident as portrayed in the video within the Owode-Idiroko axis or its environs.
“Further investigation revealed that the suspect was featured in the video and was subsequently identified by detectives, leading to his arrest.
“Preliminary findings 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.”
During the course of the investigation, Elleh reportedly confessed to intentionally creating and disseminating the misleading content to generate online engagement and public reaction.
Investigation is said to be ongoing, and the suspect will be charged to court upon conclusion of the investigation.
The command strongly condemned the deliberate spread of fake news, false security alerts, and other forms of misinformation capable of causing fear, panic, and confusion among law-abiding citizens.
The police has therefore issued stern warning to individuals and groups engaged in the creation, publication, recirculation, or dissemination of unverified security-related information that such acts constitute a threat to public peace and security and will attract the full weight of the law.
The Command pledged a crackdown on people who have resorted to circulating false information on the social media warning that such dissidents won’t escape the long hand of the law irrespective of status or motive.
The Command acknowledges the concerns of residents who may have been alarmed by the misleading video and wishes to reassure the public that the state remains safe, peaceful, and secure.
Residents are encouraged to remain calm, continue their lawful activities without fear, and rely solely on verified information disseminated through official channels.
“The Command remains steadfast in its commitment to protecting lives and property and maintaining public order across the state,” he added.
