The Ogun State Police Command has apprehended a man, Johnson Elleh, for allegedly producing and disseminating a deceptive video that falsely depicted kidnapping and banditry activities along the Owode-Idiroko axis of the state. The command promptly scrutinized the viral video and initiated an investigation to verify its claims.
DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi, the command's spokesperson, disclosed this in a statement issued in Abeokuta. According to him, findings revealed that the video was false, misleading, and deliberately intended to incite fear, panic, and anxiety among the public. Extensive investigation and verification further established that no kidnapping or banditry incident occurred along the Owode-Idiroko axis or its environs as portrayed in the video.
“Further investigation revealed that the suspect was featured in the video and was subsequently identified by detectives, leading to his arrest,” Babaseyi said. “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.”
According to the police spokesperson, the suspect confessed during interrogation to intentionally creating and disseminating the misleading content to generate online engagement and public reaction. He added that investigations are ongoing and that the suspect will be charged to court upon conclusion of the investigation.
Babaseyi said 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. He also warned individuals and groups involved 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 will continue to identify, arrest, investigate, and prosecute all persons found culpable, irrespective of status or motive,” he stated. “The Command acknowledges the concerns of residents who may have been alarmed by the misleading video and wishes to reassure the public that Ogun 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.”
