Police Arrest Suspect Over Viral Fake Kidnapping Video in Ogun

The Ogun State Police Command has arrested a suspect identified as Mr. Johnson Elleh over the alleged production and circulation of a false security alert claiming kidnapping and banditry activities along the Owode–Idiroko axis of the state.

The Command said the viral video was immediately subjected to verification upon detection and was found to be false, misleading, and deliberately designed to cause panic among residents.

According to the police in a statement by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, Oluseyi B. Babaseyi, investigations confirmed that no kidnapping or banditry incident occurred in the area as portrayed in the video or its surrounding communities.

Police further disclosed that the suspect, who featured in the video, was traced and arrested by detectives following intelligence-led investigations.

Preliminary findings indicated that he intentionally fabricated and circulated the content for attention and online engagement purposes, an action authorities said could have triggered unnecessary fear, disrupted public order, and undermined confidence in the state’s security system.

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The Command also stated that the suspect reportedly admitted during interrogation that the video was created and shared to attract social media traffic and reactions.

It added that investigations are ongoing, and the suspect will be charged to court upon conclusion of the process.

In the statement, the Command condemned the growing spread of fake news and unverified security alerts, warning that such actions pose a serious threat to public peace and will be met with strict legal consequences.

“The Command strongly condemns 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 statement said.

It warned individuals and groups involved in the creation or dissemination of unverified security information to desist, stressing that offenders would be identified, arrested, and prosecuted regardless of motive or status.

Reassuring residents, the police said Ogun State remains safe and secure, urging the public to ignore panic-inducing content and rely only on verified official communication channels.

“The Command hereby reassures the public that Ogun State remains safe, peaceful, and secure,” it added, encouraging residents to go about their lawful activities without fear.