Ogun Police crackdown on fake kidnap video, arrest suspected originator

The Ogun State Police Command has arrested one Mr. Johnson Elleh for allegedly producing and circulating a misleading video on social media that falsely claimed there were incidents of kidnapping and banditry along the Owode-Idiroko axis of the state.

In a statement issued by the Command, the police said the viral video was immediately subjected to scrutiny upon its discovery, prompting a swift investigation to verify the claims contained in it.

The findings, according to the Command, confirmed that no such kidnapping or banditry incident occurred in the area or its surrounding communities.

The police described the video as false, misleading, and deliberately crafted to create fear, panic, and anxiety among residents of Ogun State.

Investigations further revealed that the suspect featured in the viral video, making it easy for detectives to identify and track him down. He was subsequently arrested by operatives of the Command.

Preliminary findings indicated that Mr. Elleh intentionally fabricated and circulated the false narrative, allegedly for attention and content creation purposes.

READ ALSO: Panic in Ogun as third gas leak in two months hospitalises students

The Command noted that such actions posed a serious risk to public order, as they could trigger unnecessary panic and erode confidence in the state’s security system.

During interrogation, the suspect reportedly admitted to creating and sharing the video deliberately in order to generate online engagement and attract public reactions. Police authorities said investigation is ongoing, after which he will be charged to court.

The Command strongly condemned the spread of fake news and false security alerts, warning that misinformation capable of causing public fear or confusion will not be tolerated.

It cautioned individuals and groups involved in the creation or dissemination of unverified security-related content to desist from such acts, stressing that offenders would face the full weight of the law regardless of motive or status.

Reassuring residents, the police stated that Ogun State remains safe, secure, and peaceful, urging members of the public to ignore unverified reports and rely only on official communication channels for accurate security updates.

Residents were also encouraged to remain calm and continue their daily activities without fear, as the Command remains fully committed to maintaining law and order and protecting lives and property across the state.

The Command also provided emergency contact numbers for the public to report credible security concerns and seek assistance when necessary.

Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Oluseyi B. Babaseyi, reaffirmed the Command’s resolve to identify, arrest, and prosecute individuals involved in misinformation campaigns that threaten public peace.