The Osun State Police Command has arrested a 22-year-old man for allegedly spreading false information on social media claiming that bandits had invaded the state.
In a statement issued on Friday, the command’s spokesperson, Abiodun Ojelabi, said the suspect posted a video on Facebook on Monday falsely alleging a bandit attack in Osun.
According to the police, the post caused panic among residents, but investigations revealed that the footage actually showed members of the public restraining a person with a mental health condition.
Ojelabi said the suspect was arrested on Wednesday for disseminating misleading content, an offence punishable under the Cybercrimes Act, 2015, and other relevant laws.
He, however, disclosed that the suspect was later released following appeals from his elderly parents. The suspect has since apologised publicly and was warned against repeating the act.
The Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Gotan, urged residents to verify information before sharing it and warned against using digital platforms to spread falsehoods capable of causing fear or disrupting public order.
