The Lagos State Police Command has confirmed that a false social media alert about an alleged invasion by armed bandits in parts of the state contributed to the death of a 24-year-old commercial motorcycle rider.
Police Dismiss Viral Claims
In a statement shared on Monday, June 1, the command dismissed viral claims that armed bandits had invaded communities such as Ibeju-Lekki, Imota, and Oke-Afo. The police described the reports as false and misleading. According to the authorities, the spread of unverified information triggered panic among residents and led to a tragic case of mob violence.
The victim, identified as Kulaha Ayuba, was attacked by youths who believed he was one of the suspected bandits mentioned in the viral messages. The young man was labelled a Fulani bandit and beaten to death. His motorcycle was also reportedly stolen. The police added that Ayuba's body was later discovered in a swamp within the community.
Arrests Made
Fifteen suspects have been arrested in connection with the incident and are currently under investigation. The command stressed that there is no invasion by armed bandits and no coordinated attack on schools or communities in the affected areas. It assured residents that schools across Lagos remain safe and that security agencies maintain surveillance and security presence across the state.
The police condemned the circulation of unverified information capable of causing public disorder and warned against ethnic profiling, mob action, and the spread of hatred against any group. Anyone found to have created or deliberately circulated false information causing panic, violence, or ethnic tension could face prosecution.
The Commissioner of Police in Lagos, Tijani Fatai, urged residents to remain calm and report suspicious activities through official channels instead of relying on social media rumours.
Related Incidents
In a related development, the Ogun State Police arrested 25-year-old tailor Kowiu Oloyede over a viral TikTok video falsely suggesting a bandit invasion in Atan Ota community. Police tracked and arrested the suspect on May 23, and the case was transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department in Abeokuta for further investigation. The suspect admitted he created the video for social media attention, unaware it could trigger panic.
Previously, the Kwara State Police Command dismissed viral claims of unlawful detention of a 16-year-old girl in Arandun, Irepodun Local Government Area. The police explained that the minor was lawfully taken into custody after intelligence linked her to aiding a wanted suspect accused of housebreaking and theft.
