Police Arrest Student Over Fake Bandit Invasion Claim

The Bayelsa State Police Command has arrested a 23-year-old university student for allegedly originating and circulating a false social media report claiming that bandits had invaded parts of the state and were being held by militants demanding a N50 million ransom.

The Commissioner of Police, Daniel Iyamah, announced the arrest during a press briefing in Yenagoa on Friday.

He said the false report, which surfaced on June 5, 2026, caused widespread panic among residents and disrupted commercial and academic activities in parts of the state.

According to Iyamah, the report falsely claimed that armed bandits had infiltrated Bayelsa communities and were captured by militants who demanded N50 million for their release.

“The publication generated widespread concern among residents and triggered panic in several communities,” he said.

Iyamah noted that the report caused panic, particularly in Polaku Community and neighbouring areas, where parents rushed to schools to pick up their children while business activities were temporarily halted.

“As a result of the false report, parents in Polaku Community and its environs rushed to schools to pick up their children, while commercial activities were temporarily disrupted, and many citizens became apprehensive about their safety,” he said.

The police commissioner said the command immediately deployed operational and intelligence teams to verify the claims.

“Following extensive on-the-spot assessments and intelligence gathering, it became evident that the information being circulated was entirely false,” he said.

He identified the suspect as Promise Etete, a 300-level student of the University of Uyo and an indigene of Akwa Ibom State.

“Through intelligence-led policing, digital investigation and technical tracking, detectives successfully identified, tracked and arrested one Promise Etete, a 23-year-old 300-level student of the University of Uyo, in connection with originating and posting the misleading report,” Iyamah said.

He added that the suspect is in the custody of the State Criminal Investigation Department and has made useful statements to investigators.

The commissioner warned social media users against spreading false information capable of causing public panic.

“Let me state clearly that cyberspace is not beyond the reach of law enforcement.

“I, therefore, warn individuals who use social media irresponsibly to desist from such acts. I also urge residents to verify security-related information before sharing it.”

Iyamah reassured residents that there was no bandit invasion, no attack on schools and no threat to public safety as claimed in the viral report.

Meanwhile, the command also arrested a suspect over an attempted murder in Okodi Community.

According to Iyamah, the suspect, Ibobuminaten Oweifa, a son of the traditional ruler of the community, allegedly accused one Godgift Biko of stealing planks, tied him with wire and set him ablaze with petrol and a lighter.

“Upon receipt of the information, the DPO immediately swung into action and arrested the suspect. Meanwhile, the victim was rescued and taken to a clinic where he is receiving treatment,” he said.

He added that investigations are ongoing and that the suspect will be charged to court upon their conclusion.

“The Command strongly condemns all forms of violence, jungle justice and acts capable of endangering human life,” Iyamah said.

Police Arrest Student Over Fake Bandit Invasion Claim

The Bayelsa State Police Command has arrested a 23-year-old university student for allegedly originating and circulating a false social media report claiming that bandits had invaded parts of the state and were being held by militants demanding a N50 million ransom.

The Commissioner of Police, Daniel Iyamah, announced the arrest during a press briefing in Yenagoa on Friday.

He said the false report, which surfaced on June 5, 2026, caused widespread panic among residents and disrupted commercial and academic activities in parts of the state.

According to Iyamah, the report falsely claimed that armed bandits had infiltrated Bayelsa communities and were captured by militants who demanded N50 million for their release.

“The publication generated widespread concern among residents and triggered panic in several communities,” he said.

Iyamah noted that the report caused panic, particularly in Polaku Community and neighbouring areas, where parents rushed to schools to pick up their children while business activities were temporarily halted.

“As a result of the false report, parents in Polaku Community and its environs rushed to schools to pick up their children, while commercial activities were temporarily disrupted, and many citizens became apprehensive about their safety,” he said.

The police commissioner said the command immediately deployed operational and intelligence teams to verify the claims.

“Following extensive on-the-spot assessments and intelligence gathering, it became evident that the information being circulated was entirely false,” he said.

He identified the suspect as Promise Etete, a 300-level student of the University of Uyo and an indigene of Akwa Ibom State.

“Through intelligence-led policing, digital investigation and technical tracking, detectives successfully identified, tracked and arrested one Promise Etete, a 23-year-old 300-level student of the University of Uyo, in connection with originating and posting the misleading report,” Iyamah said.

He added that the suspect is in the custody of the State Criminal Investigation Department and has made useful statements to investigators.

The commissioner warned social media users against spreading false information capable of causing public panic.

“Let me state clearly that cyberspace is not beyond the reach of law enforcement.

“I, therefore, warn individuals who use social media irresponsibly to desist from such acts. I also urge residents to verify security-related information before sharing it.”

Iyamah reassured residents that there was no bandit invasion, no attack on schools and no threat to public safety as claimed in the viral report.

Meanwhile, the command also arrested a suspect over an attempted murder in Okodi Community.

According to Iyamah, the suspect, Ibobuminaten Oweifa, a son of the traditional ruler of the community, allegedly accused one Godgift Biko of stealing planks, tied him with wire and set him ablaze with petrol and a lighter.

“Upon receipt of the information, the DPO immediately swung into action and arrested the suspect. Meanwhile, the victim was rescued and taken to a clinic where he is receiving treatment,” he said.

He added that investigations are ongoing and that the suspect will be charged to court upon their conclusion.

“The Command strongly condemns all forms of violence, jungle justice and acts capable of endangering human life,” Iyamah said.