The Ogun State Police Command has arrested a man, Johnson Elleh, for allegedly producing and circulating a false video claiming that kidnappers and bandits were operating along the Owode-Idiroko corridor of the state.

The command said preliminary investigations showed that the video was fabricated and deliberately shared to attract public attention and generate online engagement.

In a statement issued on Thursday, the Police Public Relations Officer, CSP Oluseyi Babaseyi, said the command immediately launched an investigation after the video went viral to verify the claims contained in it.

According to him, investigators found that the content of the video was false, misleading and intentionally designed to create fear, panic and anxiety among members of the public.

“Findings revealed that the video was false, misleading, and deliberately designed to create fear, panic, and anxiety among members of the public,” Babaseyi said.

He stated that extensive verification conducted by the police confirmed that no kidnapping or banditry incident occurred in the Owode-Idiroko axis or surrounding areas as portrayed in the video.

The police spokesman disclosed that detectives later identified the suspect, who appeared in the video, leading to his arrest.

Babaseyi said further investigation revealed that Elleh allegedly created and circulated the false narrative for content creation and attention-seeking purposes.

According to the police, the suspect’s actions had the potential to cause public panic, disrupt social order and erode confidence in the state’s security framework.

He added that the suspect reportedly confessed during interrogation to intentionally producing and sharing the misleading content to generate online engagement and public reaction.

The police said investigations are ongoing and that the suspect will be charged to court upon completion of the process.

The command condemned the spread of fake news, false security alerts and other forms of misinformation capable of causing fear, panic and confusion among residents.

It also warned individuals and groups against creating, publishing or sharing unverified security-related information, stressing that such actions constitute a threat to public peace and security and would be met with legal consequences.

“The Command will continue to identify, arrest, investigate, and prosecute all persons found culpable, irrespective of status or motive,” the statement said.

The police reassured residents that Ogun State remains safe and secure, urging members of the public to remain calm, go about their lawful activities without fear and rely only on information disseminated through official channels.

The command reiterated its commitment to maintaining public order and safeguarding lives and property across the state.