Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
A 20-year-old tailor, Qawiyu Oloyede, has been arrested by the Ogun State Police Command for creating and circulating a fake bandit attack video on TikTok, an act that caused widespread panic among residents of the Atan-Ota community. The suspect, who resides on Sokoto Road in Atan-Ota, was apprehended after police traced the viral video to him. According to a statement from the police, the video falsely claimed that bandits had invaded the community, sparking fear and anxiety.
During interrogation, Oloyede confessed that he fabricated the video solely to gain followers and increase engagement on his TikTok account. He explained that the Fulani herder featured in the clip was a cattle rearer who regularly grazed his cows behind Oloyede’s tailoring shop. The herder was initially reluctant to participate but was eventually persuaded. Oloyede, who claimed to be illiterate, said his apprentice composed the caption for the post. He admitted to making two such videos, one on a Monday and another on a Wednesday, before his arrest.
The police spokesman for the Ogun State Command, DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi, confirmed the arrest and stated that the case had been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) for further investigation. The suspect remains in police custody. This incident highlights the growing issue of misinformation on social media and the serious consequences of spreading false security alerts.
The arrest followed a complaint by a resident, Ayinla Sodiq, who reported the suspect to the police after the video went viral. Police have warned the public to desist from spreading false information that could cause public unrest.
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