The Ogun State Police Command has arrested a blogger, Johnson Elleh, for allegedly producing and circulating a misleading video that falsely claimed kidnappings and banditry.
The arrest followed an investigation launched by the command after the video surfaced online and generated concern among residents and road users within the affected area.
According to the police, the video purported to show that criminal elements were operating freely along the Owode-Idiroko corridor, creating the impression that the area had become unsafe due to persistent incidents of kidnapping and bandit attacks.
However, the command immediately subjected the content to scrutiny and commenced a thorough investigation to verify the authenticity of the claims contained in the footage.
The police disclosed that findings from the investigation revealed that the video was entirely false, misleading, and deliberately crafted to instill fear, panic, and anxiety among members of the public.
Investigators reportedly carried out extensive verification exercises, including security assessments and intelligence gathering within the Owode-Idiroko axis and surrounding communities.
The outcome, according to the command, showed that no kidnapping or banditry incidents had occurred in the locations referenced in the video.
Further inquiries led detectives to discover that the suspect himself featured prominently in the footage. Through digital tracking and other investigative measures, police operatives identified him as the creator and distributor of the content, leading to his arrest.
Preliminary findings, the police said, indicate that Elleh intentionally fabricated the narrative and circulated the video primarily to attract public attention, increase online engagement, and generate reactions on social media platforms.
The command noted that such actions have the potential to trigger unnecessary public alarm, disrupt social harmony, create distrust in security institutions, and negatively impact the state’s reputation.
During interrogation, the suspect reportedly admitted to deliberately creating and sharing the false content for content creation purposes and to boost online traffic and engagement.
Confirming the development on Thursday, the Police Public Relations Officer, Oluseyi Babaseyi, stated that investigations are still ongoing to determine the full extent of the suspect’s activities and whether other individuals were involved in the production or dissemination of the misleading material.
He added that the suspect would be charged to court upon the conclusion of the investigation.
Reacting to the incident, the Commissioner of Police, Bode Ojajuni, condemned the deliberate spread of fake news, false security alerts, and other forms of misinformation capable of causing fear, confusion, and panic among law-abiding citizens.
He warned that individuals or groups involved in creating, publishing, recirculating, or disseminating unverified security-related information would be treated as threats to public peace and security and would face the full consequences of the law.
The commissioner emphasized that the command remains committed to identifying, arresting, investigating, and prosecuting anyone found culpable, regardless of their status, influence, or motive.
Ojajuni urged members of the public to exercise caution before sharing security-related information online and to verify reports through official channels to avoid spreading falsehoods that could undermine public safety.
The command also acknowledged the concerns of residents who may have been unsettled by the viral video and reassured the public that Ogun State remains safe, peaceful, and secure.
Residents were encouraged to remain calm, continue their lawful activities without fear, and rely only on verified information released by official security agencies and government communication channels.
The Ogun State Police Command reiterated its commitment to safeguarding lives and property, maintaining public order, and ensuring that those who intentionally spread misinformation capable of threatening public peace are brought to justice.