The Police Command in Oyo State has arrested two suspects in connection with alleged deliberate dissemination of false information of bandits killing six persons in Lamini Community, Ido Local Government Area of the state.
In a statement on Monday in Ibadan, the command’s spokesperson, DSP Olayinka Ayanlade, said that the suspects, a pastor and a woman, were arrested after thorough investigation of the purported attack of the community.
Ayanlade recalled that the Command’s attention was drawn to a widely circulated voice notes on WhatsApp platforms and other social media channels claiming that armed bandits had attacked Lamini Community and killed six residents.
He said that the publication had generated fear, panic, and apprehension among residents and other members of the public, while creating unnecessary tension within and around the affected area.
“Upon receipt of the information, the command immediately mobilised patrol and tactical teams to Lamini Community and its environs to verify the claim, reassure residents, and douse the palpable tension generated by the alarming report.
“Following a thorough assessment and on-the-ground verification, it was conclusively established that the purported bandit invasion and killing of six persons never occurred.
“Consequently, the Commissioner of Police, Oyo State Command, Abimbola Ayodeji Olugbenga, directed the Assistant Commissioner of Police in charge of the State Intelligence Department (SID) to undertake a comprehensive investigation into the origin and dissemination of the false information.
“The ensuing intelligence-driven investigation, supported by forensic analysis, traced the incriminating voice note to Pastor Amos Muyiwa, who was subsequently arrested.
“During interrogation, the suspect admitted to authoring and circulating the voice note without verifying the authenticity of the information.
“Further investigations revealed that the false alarm originated from one Mulikat Bashiru, who had raised the unfounded claim 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,” Ayanlade said.
He said that the deliberate spread of false information, fake news, misinformation, and disinformation remained a serious threat to public order, national security, and peaceful coexistence.
