The Ogun State Police Command has apprehended a man named Johnson Elleh for allegedly producing and circulating a misleading video that falsely claimed kidnapping and banditry activities were occurring along the Owode-Idiroko axis of the state. The arrest was announced in a statement by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi, which was posted on the Command's official X handle.
Investigation and Findings
According to the statement, the Command launched an immediate investigation after the video went viral, subjecting its contents to thorough scrutiny to verify the claims. The police determined that the video was false, misleading, and deliberately created to incite fear, panic, and anxiety among residents.
“Extensive investigation and verification established that there was no kidnapping or banditry incident as portrayed in the video within the Owode-Idiroko axis or its environs,” the statement said.
Suspect Identification and Arrest
The Command disclosed that detectives identified the suspect after discovering that he featured in the video. He was subsequently tracked down and arrested. Preliminary investigations indicated that Elleh allegedly fabricated and circulated the false narrative to attract attention and generate online content engagement.
Police authorities noted that his actions were capable of causing unnecessary public alarm, disrupting social order, and undermining public confidence in the state's security architecture. During interrogation, the suspect reportedly confessed to intentionally creating and disseminating the false information to generate public reaction and online engagement.
Ongoing Investigation and Legal Action
The Command said investigations are ongoing and that the suspect will be charged to court upon their conclusion. Condemning the spread of fake news and unverified security reports, the police warned individuals and groups against creating, publishing, or recirculating false security-related information.
“The Command hereby issues a stern warning to individuals and groups engaged 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 statement added.
Assurance of Safety
The police further assured residents that Ogun State remains safe, peaceful, and secure, despite concerns generated by the viral video. The Command urged members of the public to remain calm, continue their lawful activities without fear, and rely only on verified information from official sources. It also reaffirmed its commitment to protecting lives and property while maintaining public order across the state.
For emergencies and credible information, residents were advised to contact the Ogun State Police Command through the Gateway Shield toll-free line on 0800 000 9111 or the emergency numbers 0906 283 7609, 0912 014 1706, 0915 102 7369 and 0708 497 2994.
