By James Ogunnaike

The Ogun State Police Command has arrested a man, identified as Johnson Elleh, for allegedly producing and circulating a false video claiming that kidnapping and banditry activities were taking place along the Owode-Idiroko corridor of the state.

The Command said investigations revealed that the viral video was fabricated and deliberately designed to create fear, panic and anxiety among residents.

In a statement issued on Wednesday by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi, the police disclosed that a thorough investigation was launched immediately after the video surfaced online.

According to the statement, “Upon receipt of the viral video, the Command immediately subjected its contents to scrutiny and commenced a swift investigation to verify the claims contained therein. Findings revealed that the video was false, misleading and deliberately designed to create fear, panic and anxiety among members of the public.”

The police explained that extensive verification exercises confirmed that no kidnapping or banditry incident occurred in the Owode-Idiroko axis or surrounding communities as portrayed in the video.

Investigators subsequently identified Elleh, who reportedly featured in the video, leading to his arrest.

“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 he deliberately fabricated and circulated the false narrative for attention and content creation purposes,” the statement said.

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 architecture.

Police authorities further disclosed that the suspect confessed during interrogation to intentionally creating and disseminating the misleading content to generate online engagement and public reaction.

“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. Investigation is ongoing, and the suspect will be charged to court upon conclusion of the investigation,” Babaseyi stated.

The Command condemned the growing trend of fake news and false security alerts, warning that individuals involved in creating, publishing or recirculating unverified security-related information would face prosecution.

“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 constitutes a threat to public peace and security and will attract the full weight of the law,” the police spokesman warned.

He added that the Command would continue to identify, arrest, investigate and prosecute offenders regardless of their status or motives.

While reassuring residents of their safety, the police maintained that Ogun State remains peaceful and secure.

“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 statement added.

The police urged members of the public to report emergencies and obtain credible information through official communication channels, reiterating the Command’s commitment to protecting lives and property across the state.