Police arrest university student over alleged fake bandit attack post

The Bayelsa State Police Command has arrested a 23-year-old university student for allegedly circulating false information on social media claiming that armed bandits had invaded parts of the state, a report that authorities said triggered widespread panic and disrupted normal activities.

The suspect, identified as Promise Etete, a 300-level student of the University of Uyo and an indigene of Akwa Ibom State, was arrested following an investigation into a viral Facebook post published on June 5, 2026.

Speaking at a press briefing on Friday, Bayelsa State Commissioner of Police, Daniel Iyamah, said the suspect allegedly used a Facebook account bearing the name “Sen Promise Etete JP” to publish claims that local militants had intercepted a group of armed foreign bandits in Bayelsa’s creeks and were demanding a ransom of ₦50 million for each captive.

According to the police, the false report sparked fear across several communities, prompting parents to withdraw their children from schools while businesses, markets and boat operators temporarily suspended activities over concerns about a possible security threat.

Among the schools reportedly affected were the Ijaw National Academy in Kaiama, Gbarainowei Grammar School in Okolobiri, and Fun-Tari Academy in Sabagreia, where anxious parents rushed to pick up their children.

Following the circulation of the report, the police command deployed personnel from its School Protection Squad, tactical teams and other security units to verify the claims and reassure residents.

After confirming that no bandit attack had occurred, detectives from the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) launched a digital forensic investigation that allegedly traced the origin of the post to the suspect.

Police said Etete is currently in custody and has made statements to investigators regarding the publication of the false information.

Commissioner Iyamah warned against the deliberate spread of false security information, saying those responsible would be prosecuted under relevant cybercrime laws.

“Let me state clearly that cyberspace is not beyond the reach of law enforcement. Misinformation on security issues directly undermines state stability, and we will enforce existing cybercrime laws against anyone who deliberately creates panic through false reports,” he said.

The commissioner assured residents that Bayelsa remains safe and urged members of the public to verify security-related information through official government and security agency channels before sharing it.

He also encouraged residents to report suspicious activities through the command’s official emergency lines while avoiding the circulation of unverified information capable of causing public panic.