The Oyo State Police Command has arrested two individuals for allegedly originating and disseminating false information claiming that bandits invaded Lamini Community in Ido Local Government Area of the state and killed six residents.
The command disclosed that the arrests followed the circulation of a voice note on WhatsApp and other social media platforms alleging that armed bandits had attacked the community, triggering widespread fear, panic and apprehension among residents and the general public.
According a statement on Monday by the Oyo Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Ayanlade Olayinka, the command said it immediately deployed patrol and tactical teams to Lamini Community and surrounding areas to verify the claim and reassure residents.
According to the police, investigations and on-the-ground assessments revealed that the reported bandit invasion and killings never occurred.
The statement said the Commissioner of Police, Oyo State Command, Abimbola Ayodeji Olugbenga, subsequently directed the State Intelligence Department (SID) to conduct a thorough investigation into the source of the false information.
“The ensuing intelligence-driven investigation, supported by forensic analysis, traced the incriminating voice note to Pastor Amos Joel Muyiwa, who was subsequently arrested,” the statement said.
Police said the suspect admitted during interrogation that he authored and circulated the voice note without verifying the authenticity of the information.
Further investigations reportedly revealed that the false claim originated from one Mulikat Bashiru, who allegedly raised the unfounded alarm within the community.
“She was thereafter identified, traced and arrested in connection with the matter.
“Both suspects are currently cooperating with investigators as efforts continue to establish the full circumstances surrounding the incident and identify any other persons involved in the creation or propagation of the false narrative,” the command added.
The police described the deliberate spread of false information, fake news, misinformation and disinformation as a serious threat to public order, national security and peaceful coexistence.
According to the command, such actions are capable of causing panic, undermining public confidence, disrupting socio-economic activities and diverting security resources from genuine emergencies.
The statement further noted that misinformation and disinformation weaken public trust and could create opportunities for criminal elements to exploit public anxiety and confusion.
The command urged residents to exercise caution and responsibility when using social media and other communication platforms, stressing the need to verify information through credible and official sources before sharing it.
It warned that individuals found deliberately originating or circulating false information capable of causing public disorder would be investigated and prosecuted in accordance with the law.
The police also appealed to members of the public to continue supporting security agencies with credible information to sustain the prevailing security gains across Oyo State.