The Ogun State Police Command has arrested a man identified as Johnson Elleh for allegedly producing and circulating a misleading video that falsely claimed kidnappings and banditry were taking place along the Owode-Idiroko axis of the state.
According to the Command, the arrest followed a thorough investigation launched after the video went viral on social media, causing concern among residents and road users.
In a statement issued on Wednesday by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi, the Command said it immediately scrutinized the contents of the video and initiated a fact-finding investigation to verify the claims.
The investigation revealed that the video was false, misleading, and deliberately crafted to create fear, panic, and anxiety among members of the public. Police authorities stated that extensive verification confirmed there had been no kidnapping or banditry incident along the Owode-Idiroko corridor or its surrounding communities as portrayed in the footage.
Detectives subsequently identified the suspect, who reportedly appeared in the video, leading to his arrest. Preliminary findings indicated that he intentionally fabricated and circulated the false narrative to attract attention and generate online engagement.
The Command noted that the suspect’s actions were capable of causing unnecessary public alarm, disrupting social order, and undermining confidence in the state’s security framework.
During interrogation, Elleh reportedly confessed to creating and disseminating the misleading content to provoke public reaction and increase online visibility. Police said investigations are ongoing and that he will be charged to court upon completion of the process.
The Command strongly condemned the spread of fake news, false security alerts, and other forms of misinformation, warning that such actions pose a serious threat to public peace and security.
It issued a stern warning to individuals and groups involved in creating, publishing, sharing, or recirculating unverified security-related information, stressing that offenders would face 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,” the statement said.
The police also reassured residents that Ogun State remains safe, peaceful, and secure, urging members of the public to remain calm, go about their lawful activities without fear, and rely only on information released through verified official channels.
Residents were encouraged to report emergencies and credible security information through the Ogun State Police Command’s Gateway Shield toll-free line, 0800 000 9111, or emergency numbers 0906 283 7609, 0912 014 1706, 0915 102 7369, and 0708 497 2994.
The Command reiterated its commitment to protecting lives and property while maintaining public order across the state.
