The Edo State Police Command has arrested Uzebor Emmanuel, popularly known on social media as “Aza Woman,” in connection with false viral publications.
The suspect had claimed that students of Green Park Academy, Aduwawa, Benin City, were kidnapped, a claim that was later found to be false as the state command had earlier debunked it last Wednesday.
The command lamented that the viral social media post generated unnecessary concern among members of the public.
In a statement released on Sunday, the State Command’s spokesperson, SP Eno Ikoedem, said the deliberate spread of false information, particularly on matters relating to public safety and security, is a serious offence with far-reaching consequences.
The statement read, “Further to the earlier press release issued by the Edo State Police Command regarding the false and misleading report of an alleged kidnapping of students at Green Park Academy, Aduwawa, and Western Boys’ College, Ikpoba Hill, Benin City, the Command wishes to inform the general public that one Uzebor Emmanuel (f), popularly known on social media as ‘Aza Woman,’ has been arrested in connection with the viral publications.
“Preliminary investigations reveal that the suspect knowingly disseminated false claims in various social media posts alleging that about six persons had been kidnapped through various mini transport buses. According to her, some purportedly escaped from their abductors, while others paid ransom.
“These publications generated widespread apprehension, heightened public anxiety, and could undermine public confidence in the security architecture of the state.
“The Edo State Police Command reiterates that the deliberate spread of false information, particularly on matters relating to public safety and security, is a serious offence with far-reaching consequences. Such actions are capable of inciting panic, disrupting public order, and diverting security resources from genuine emergencies.”
Ikoedem warned that the security of the state should never be jeopardised for views, engagement, online relevance, or any other form of social media gratification, adding that the suspect would be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations.
The command therefore advised members of the public 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.
