Ogun: Police arrest man over alleged fake news, false security alert
The Police Command in Ogun says it has arrested one Johnson Elleh for allegedly producing and circulating a misleading video of false kidnapping and banditry activities at the Owode-Idiroko axis of the state.
The command’s spokesperson, DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi, disclosed this in a statement issued to newsmen on Thursday in Abeokuta.
Babaseyi explained that upon receipt of the viral video, the command immediately subjected its contents to scrutiny and commenced a swift investigation to verify the claims therein.
According to him, findings revealed that the video is false, misleading and deliberately designed to create fear, panic and anxiety among members of the public.
“Extensive investigation and verification further established that there was no kidnapping or banditry incident as portrayed in the video within the Owode-Idiroko axis or its environs.
“Further investigation revealed that the suspect was featured in the video and was subsequently identified by detectives, leading to his arrest.
“Preliminary findings indicate that the suspect deliberately fabricated and circulated the false narrative for attention and content creation purposes,” he said.
The spokesperson said that his actions were capable of causing unnecessary public alarm, disruption of social order, as well as undermining public confidence in the security architecture of the state.
Babaseyi said that during the course of the investigation, the suspect reportedly confessed to intentionally creating and disseminating the misleading content to generate online engagement and public reaction.
He added that investigation was ongoing and that the suspect would be charged to court upon conclusion of the proceeding.
He said that 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 admonised individuals and groups against engaging in creation, publication, recirculation, or dissemination of unverified security-related information, saying such acts constituted threat to public peace and security.
Babaseyi said anyone caught would face the full weight of the law, just as he reiterated the command’s commitment to continue to identify, arrest, investigate, and prosecute all persons found culpable, irrespective of status or motive.
He stated that the command acknowledged the concerns of residents who may have been alarmed by the misleading video and reassured the public that Ogun State remains safe, peaceful, and secure.
He, however, encouraged residents to remain calm, continue their lawful activities without fear, and rely solely on verified information disseminated through official channels.
Babaseyi added that the command remained steadfast in its commitment to protecting lives and property and maintaining public order across the state.
For emergencies and credible information, he advised residents to contact the command through Gateway Shield (Toll-Free): 0800 000 9111; Emergency Lines: 0906 283 7609, 0912 014 1706, 0915 102 7369, 0708 497 2994.