The Oyo State Police Command has apprehended two individuals for deliberately spreading false information about a bandit attack in Lamini Community, Ido Local Government Area. The suspects allegedly claimed that armed bandits invaded the community and killed six residents.
False Alarm Causes Panic
A voice note circulated widely on WhatsApp and other social media platforms, asserting that bandits had attacked Lamini Community and killed six people. This publication generated fear, panic, and apprehension among residents and the public, creating unnecessary tension in the area.
Upon receiving the information, the Command immediately deployed patrol and tactical teams to Lamini Community and its environs to verify the claim, reassure residents, and reduce the palpable tension caused by the alarming report.
Investigation Reveals Truth
After a thorough assessment and on-the-ground verification, it was conclusively established that the purported bandit invasion and killing of six persons never occurred. The Commissioner of Police, Oyo State Command, CP Abimbola Ayodeji Olugbenga, directed the Assistant Commissioner of Police in charge of the State Intelligence Department (SID) to conduct a comprehensive investigation into the origin and dissemination of the false information.
The intelligence-driven investigation, supported by forensic analysis, traced the incriminating voice note to Pastor Amos Joel Muyiwa, who was subsequently arrested. During interrogation, the suspect admitted to authoring and circulating the voice note without verifying the authenticity of the information.
Second Suspect Apprehended
Further investigations revealed that the false alarm originated from one Mulikat Bashiru, who had raised the unfounded claim within the community. She was identified, traced, and arrested in connection with the matter.
The Command's spokesperson, DSP Ayanlade Olayinka, confirmed the incident, stating that both suspects are cooperating with investigators. Efforts continue to establish the full circumstances surrounding the incident and identify any other persons involved in creating or propagating the false narrative.
Police Warn Against Misinformation
The Oyo State Police Command views the deliberate spread of false information, fake news, misinformation, and disinformation as a serious threat to public order, national security, and peaceful coexistence. Such actions can trigger panic, undermine public confidence, disrupt socio-economic activities, and divert critical security resources from genuine emergencies.
Misinformation and disinformation do not merely mislead the public; they constitute a direct attack on the collective resolve to build a secure and peaceful society. At a time when security agencies, community leaders, and law-abiding citizens work collaboratively to sustain security gains across Oyo State, the deliberate circulation of false narratives creates unnecessary fear, weakens public trust, and provides opportunities for criminal elements to exploit public anxiety and confusion.
The Command urges residents to exercise restraint, responsibility, and vigilance in using social media and other communication platforms. Members of the public are advised to verify information through credible and official sources before sharing. Individuals found deliberately originating or disseminating false information capable of causing public disorder will be investigated and prosecuted in accordance with extant laws.
