The Oyo State Police Command has arrested two individuals for allegedly spreading false information claiming that bandits invaded Lamini Community in Ido Local Government Area and killed six residents.
According to the police, a voice note widely circulated on WhatsApp and other social media platforms alleged that armed bandits had attacked the community, resulting in the deaths of six people. The report sparked fear, panic, and anxiety among residents and members of the public, creating unnecessary tension within and around the area.
Following the circulation of the message, the Command immediately deployed patrol and tactical teams to Lamini Community and surrounding areas to verify the claims, reassure residents, and restore calm.
After a thorough assessment and on-the-ground investigation, police confirmed that the alleged bandit attack and killings never occurred.
Consequently, the Commissioner of Police, Oyo State Command, CP Abimbola Ayodeji Olugbenga, directed the Assistant Commissioner of Police in charge of the State Intelligence Department (SID) to conduct a comprehensive investigation into the source and spread of the false information.
The intelligence-led investigation, supported by forensic analysis, traced the viral voice note to Pastor Amos Joel Muyiwa, who was subsequently arrested. During interrogation, Muyiwa reportedly admitted to creating and sharing the voice note without verifying the authenticity of the information.
Further investigations revealed that the false claim originated from one Mulikat Bashiru, who allegedly raised the unfounded alarm within the community. She was later identified, tracked, and arrested in connection with the incident.
Confirming the development, the Command’s spokesperson, DSP Ayanlade Olayinka, stated that both suspects are cooperating with investigators as efforts continue to uncover the full circumstances surrounding the incident and identify any other individuals involved in originating or spreading the false narrative.
“The Oyo State Police Command views the deliberate spread of false information, fake news, misinformation, and disinformation as a serious threat to public order, national security, and peaceful coexistence,” Olayinka said.
He noted that such actions are capable of causing panic, eroding public confidence, disrupting socio-economic activities, and diverting critical security resources from genuine emergencies.
“Misinformation and disinformation do not merely mislead the public; they constitute a direct attack on our collective resolve to build a secure and peaceful society. At a time when security agencies, community leaders, and law-abiding citizens are working collaboratively to sustain the prevailing security gains across Oyo State, the deliberate circulation of false narratives serves only to create unnecessary fear, weaken public trust, and create opportunities for criminal elements to exploit public anxiety and confusion,” he added.
The police urged residents to exercise caution and responsibility when using social media and other communication platforms, emphasizing the need to verify information through credible and official sources before sharing it.
The Command further warned that anyone found deliberately creating or disseminating false information capable of causing public disorder would be investigated and prosecuted in accordance with existing laws.
