Reported by: Oahimire Omone Precious | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
The Ogun State Police Command has arrested a man, Mr. Johnson Elleh, for producing and circulating a misleading video that falsely alleged kidnapping and banditry activities along the Owode-Idiroko axis of the state, an act that caused widespread panic, disrupted economic activities, and forced parents to rush to schools to withdraw their children. The command made the announcement in a press release issued on Thursday, 3 June 2026, by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi.
According to the police, upon receipt of the viral video, the command immediately subjected its contents to scrutiny and commenced a swift investigation to verify the claims. Findings revealed that the video was false, misleading, and deliberately designed to create fear, panic, and anxiety among members of the public. Extensive investigation and verification further established that there was no kidnapping or banditry incident as portrayed in the video within the Owode-Idiroko axis or its environs.
Further investigation revealed that the suspect was featured in the video and was subsequently identified by detectives, leading to his arrest. Preliminary findings indicate that he deliberately fabricated and circulated the false narrative for attention and content creation purposes. His actions were capable of causing unnecessary public alarm, disrupting social order, and undermining public confidence in the security architecture of the state. During the course of the investigation, the suspect reportedly confessed to intentionally creating and disseminating the misleading content to generate online engagement and public reaction. He was also said to have begged for forgiveness, promising never to engage in such behaviour again. The investigation is ongoing, and the suspect will be charged to court upon its conclusion.
The Ogun State Police Command strongly condemned the deliberate spread of fake news, false security alerts, and other forms of misinformation capable of causing fear, panic, and confusion among law-abiding citizens. The command issued a stern warning to individuals and groups engaged in the creation, publication, recirculation, or dissemination of unverified security-related information that such acts constitute a threat to public peace and security and will attract the full weight of the law. The command vowed to continue to identify, arrest, investigate, and prosecute all persons found culpable, irrespective of status or motive.
The command acknowledged the concerns of residents who may have been alarmed by the misleading 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 solely on verified information disseminated through official channels. The command reiterated its steadfast commitment to protecting lives and property and maintaining public order across the state.
The arrest of Johnson Elleh is the latest in a series of actions taken by the Ogun State Police Command to combat the growing menace of fake security alerts. In recent weeks, the command has debunked several viral reports alleging bandit attacks in Ota, Ifo, and other parts of the state, clarifying that such claims were either fabricated or based on outdated footage. Just days earlier, a young tailor named Qawiyu was also arrested for staging a fake bandit attack video in an attempt to gain TikTok followers. These incidents underscore a troubling trend of individuals exploiting the nation’s genuine security challenges to create panic for personal gain or online clout.
For emergencies and credible information, residents may contact the Ogun State Police Command through Gateway Shield (Toll-Free): 0800 000 9111; Emergency Lines: 0906 283 7609, 0912 014 1706, 0915 102 7369, 0708 497 2994.
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