Reported by: Oahimire Omone Precious | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
BENIN CITY, Nigeria – The Edo State Police Command has arrested a female social media influencer, widely known as “Aza Woman,” for allegedly spreading false reports that students had been kidnapped from two schools in Benin City, a viral hoax that triggered widespread panic and threatened to undermine public confidence in the state’s security apparatus. The arrest was announced in a press release issued on Saturday, June 6, 2026, by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, ASP Eno Ikoedem.
The suspect, identified as Uzebor Emmanuel (female), popularly called “Aza Woman,” was taken into custody following investigations into a series of social media posts claiming that multiple abductions had occurred around Green Park Academy in Aduwawa and Western Boys’ College on Ikpoba Hill, both in Benin City. According to the police, the suspect knowingly disseminated false claims that about six persons had been kidnapped through various mini‑transport buses. She further alleged that some victims had escaped from their abductors while others paid ransom. These publications, the police said, generated widespread apprehension and heightened public anxiety.
The Edo State Police Command had earlier issued a preliminary statement debunking the reports, confirming that no such kidnapping took place at either school. The latest press release provides an update on the investigation and confirms the arrest of the alleged source of the disinformation. ASP Ikoedem stated that preliminary investigations revealed that the suspect knowingly published false information, and that her actions were capable of inciting panic, disrupting public order, and diverting security resources from genuine emergencies. “The security of a state should never be jeopardized for views, engagement, online relevance, or any other form of social media gratification,” the police spokesperson said.
The incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangerous consequences of fake news in Nigeria’s digital ecosystem, where unverified claims about kidnappings, bandit attacks, and ritual killings routinely circulate on WhatsApp, Facebook, X, and TikTok. Often, these posts are designed to go viral, attracting engagement and followers at the expense of public safety. In this case, the false alarm about schoolchildren being abducted sent parents rushing to schools in the Aduwawa and Ikpoba Hill areas, pulled police resources away from actual patrol duties, and inflicted emotional distress on families. The Edo State Police Command described the deliberate spread of false information on matters relating to public safety as a serious offence with far‑reaching consequences.
The press release did not specify the exact number of posts or platforms used by the suspect, nor did it disclose whether she acted alone or in concert with others. However, the command indicated that the suspect would be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations. The development has sparked conversations among civil society groups about the need for stronger enforcement of Nigeria’s Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act, which criminalises the distribution of false information that could disrupt public order. Offenders face fines, imprisonment, or both, though prosecutions have historically been rare and often slow.
Reactions from netizens have been divided. Some praised the police for swift action, arguing that social media influencers must be held accountable for the consequences of their posts. Others expressed concern that the arrest could be used to stifle legitimate criticism or whistleblowing. The Edo State Police Command, however, maintained that its action was not an attack on free speech but a necessary measure to protect the public from deliberate falsehoods. “Members of the public are advised to exercise restraint, verify information from credible sources before sharing, and refrain from using social media platforms to disseminate falsehoods capable of disturbing public peace and order,” the statement read.
This case is not isolated. In recent years, Nigeria has witnessed several waves of fake kidnapping alerts that caused real‑world harm. In 2024, a false report of a mass abduction in Kaduna led to the closure of schools and businesses for two days before authorities debunked it. In 2025, a similar hoax in Lagos triggered a stampede at a market, injuring several people. The Edo State Command’s decision to arrest and prosecute “Aza Woman” may set a precedent that could deter other would‑be hoaxsters, though legal experts caution that the state must ensure due process and that the suspect’s rights are fully respected.
As of Sunday morning, June 7, no court date had been announced. The suspect remains in police custody. The Edo State Police Command reiterated its commitment to maintaining public order and urged citizens to rely on official channels – including the command’s Facebook, X, and WhatsApp platforms – for verified security information. For the parents and residents of Aduwawa and Ikpoba Hill who spent anxious hours believing their children had been taken, the arrest offers little comfort beyond the confirmation that the threat never existed. But for the broader battle against fake news, it is a small but significant victory.
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