The Ogun State Police Command has arrested a man, identified as Johnson Elleh, for allegedly producing and circulating a fake video which claimed that kidnapping and banditry activities were taking place along the Owode-Idiroko road of the state.
According to the Command, investigations showed that the widely shared video was made up and purposefully intended to instill fear, worry, and concern in locals.
The police revealed that a comprehensive investigation was started as soon as the video appeared online in a statement released on Wednesday by DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi, the Police Public Relations Officer.
“Upon receiving the viral video, the Command immediately subjected its contents to scrutiny and commenced a swift investigation to verify the claims contained therein,” the statement reads. The film was found to be deceptive, fraudulent, and purposefully made to instill fear, worry, and anxiety in viewers.
The police revealed that thorough verification procedures verified that there were no kidnapping or banditry incidents in the Owode-Idiroko axis or the other settlements as depicted in the film.
Elleh, who allegedly appeared in the video, was later identified by investigators and taken into custody.
The culprit was recognised by detectives after more research showed that he appeared in the video, which resulted in his arrest. According to the statement, “Preliminary findings show that he purposefully created and disseminated the false narrative for attention and content creation.”
The Command stated that the suspect’s acts could undermine trust in the state’s security infrastructure, disturb social order, and cause needless public anxiety.
The suspect admitted after questioning to purposefully producing and distributing the false material in order to elicit online interaction and public outcry, as disclosed by the police authorities.
The suspect allegedly admitted during the inquiry to purposefully producing and distributing the false material in order to spark internet discussion and public outcry. The investigation is ongoing, and once it is finished, the suspect will face charges in court, according to Babaseyi.
The suspect allegedly admitted to purposefully producing and distributing the false information in order to spark public outcry and online interaction during the course of the investigation. The investigation is ongoing, and once it is finished, the suspect will face charges in court, according to Babaseyi.
The Command condemned the increasing prevalence of fake news and bogus security alerts and warned that anyone involved in producing, disseminating, or publishing unsubstantiated security-related material will be prosecuted.
The police spokesperson issued a warning, saying, “The intentional dissemination of false security alerts, fake news, and other misinformation capable of causing fear, panic, and confusion among law-abiding citizens constitutes a threat to public peace and security and will attract the full weight of the law.”
He added that the Command would continue to find, apprehend, look into, and prosecute offenders, regardless of their status or motivations.
The police maintained that Ogun State is still safe and tranquil while assuring locals of their protection.
“The Command wishes to reassure the public that Ogun State is still safe, calm, and secure while acknowledging the worries of locals who might have been disturbed by the deceptive video. Residents are urged to maintain composure, carry on with their legal activities without fear, and rely only on verified information distributed through official channels,” the statement read.
Reiterating the Command’s commitment to safeguarding lives and property throughout the state, the police asked the public to report crises and acquire reliable information through official communication channels.
