Oyo Police Nab Suspects for Spreading Fake News of Bandit Killings

Oyo Police Nab Suspects for Spreading Fake News of Bandit Killings
Pastor, Woman Arrested Over False Claim of Six Deaths
Police Debunk Alleged Bandit Attack

The Oyo State Police Command has arrested two individuals over a false alarm alleging that armed bandits invaded Lamini Community in Ido Local Government Area and killed six residents.

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Eko Hot Blog reports that the command said the claim, which circulated widely through a viral voice note on WhatsApp and other social media platforms, generated fear, panic and tension among residents before investigations revealed that the report was entirely false.

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In a statement issued on Monday, the Police Public Relations Officer, CSP Ayanlade Olayinka, disclosed that security operatives immediately carried out an on-the-ground assessment and verification exercise after the report surfaced.

According to him, findings from police patrol teams and tactical units confirmed that no such attack occurred and that no residents were killed in the community.

“The Command’s attention was drawn to a widely circulated voice note on various WhatsApp platforms and other social media channels claiming that armed bandits had attacked Lamini Community and killed six residents.

“The publication generated fear, panic and apprehension among residents and other members of the public while creating unnecessary tension within and around the affected area,” the statement read.

Following the development, the Commissioner of Police in Oyo State, Abimbola Olugbenga, directed the State Intelligence Department to launch a full-scale investigation into the origin of the false report.

Police said forensic analysis traced the viral voice note to a suspect identified as Pastor Amos Muyiwa.

During interrogation, the suspect reportedly admitted to recording and circulating the voice message without verifying the authenticity of the information.

Further investigations allegedly revealed that the false claim originated from a woman identified as Mulikat Bashiru, who reportedly raised the alarm within the community.

The police said both suspects are currently assisting investigators as efforts continue to uncover the full circumstances surrounding the incident and identify any other individuals involved in spreading the misinformation.

The command warned residents against circulating unverified reports, particularly on security-related matters, noting that such actions can undermine public confidence, create unnecessary panic and disrupt ongoing efforts to maintain peace and security.

Police further advised members of the public to verify information through credible and official channels before sharing it, warning that anyone found deliberately spreading false information capable of causing public disorder would face prosecution under relevant laws.