The Ekiti State Police Command has arrested a man, Sunday Olawale, for allegedly spreading false information on social media claiming that bandits had invaded Are Ekiti in Irepodun/Ifelodun Local Government Area.
In a statement issued in Ado Ekiti, Police spokesperson Sunday Abutu said the suspect was apprehended by the Command’s Rapid Response Squad on June 14 for cyberstalking and circulating false information capable of causing panic and disrupting public order.
The police clarified that there was no bandit attack in Are Ekiti or any other part of the state.
“The Police Command wishes to reiterate that there was no bandit invasion in Are Ekiti or any part of the Ekiti State.”
According to the statement, a video circulated on social media on June 12 alleging that bandits had attacked the community, but investigations later confirmed the claim was false.
“It would be recalled that on the 12th of June 2026, a video was circulating on social media claiming that bandits had invaded Are Ekiti. The video was later confirmed to be false.”
Abutu said the suspect admitted during interrogation that he shared the misleading information online but failed to provide a satisfactory explanation for his actions.
“During the investigation, the suspect confessed to having peddled the false information on social media and was unable to give any satisfactory reason for his action.”
The Commissioner of Police, Michael Falade, warned that the command would not tolerate the spread of fake news or any content capable of creating fear and confusion among residents.
“The Command will not tolerate any act of fake news peddling or content capable of initiating panic among members of the public.”
The police also urged members of the public to verify information before sharing it on social media to prevent the spread of misinformation.