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Kazeem Awojoodu
The Oyo State Police Command has arrested two suspects for allegedly spreading false information about a purported bandit attack in Lamini Community, Ido Local Government Area of the state.
The arrest was disclosed in a statement issued on Monday by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, DSP Ayanlade Olayinka, who said the suspects were apprehended following investigations into a widely circulated voice note alleging that armed bandits had invaded the community and killed six residents.
According to the police, the voice note, which gained traction on various WhatsApp platforms and other social media channels, generated widespread fear, panic, and apprehension among residents and members of the public.
DSP Ayanlade stated that upon receiving the report, the Command immediately deployed patrol and tactical teams to Lamini Community and surrounding areas to verify the claim, reassure residents, and calm the tension created by the alarming message.
“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,” the statement said.
The police spokesperson disclosed that the Commissioner of Police in Oyo State, CP Abimbola Ayodeji Olugbenga, directed the Assistant Commissioner of Police in charge of the State Intelligence Department (SID) to carry out a comprehensive investigation into the source and dissemination of the false information.
The ensuing intelligence-led investigation, supported by forensic analysis, traced the voice note to Pastor Amos Joel Muyiwa, who was subsequently arrested.
During interrogation, Muyiwa reportedly admitted to creating and circulating 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, traced, and arrested by the police.
The Command said both suspects are cooperating with investigators as efforts continue to uncover the full circumstances surrounding the incident and identify any other persons involved in creating or spreading the false narrative.
The police condemned the deliberate spread of false information, fake news, misinformation, and disinformation, describing such actions as a serious threat to public order, national security, and peaceful coexistence.
According to the statement, false reports are capable of causing panic, undermining public confidence, disrupting socio-economic activities, and diverting security resources from genuine emergencies.
The Command further noted that at a time when security agencies, community leaders, and residents are working together to sustain security gains across the state, the circulation of false narratives only serves to create fear, weaken public trust, and provide opportunities for criminal elements to exploit public anxiety.
The police therefore urged residents to exercise caution and responsibility when using social media and other communication platforms.
Members of the public were advised to verify information through credible and official sources before sharing it, warning that anyone found deliberately originating or disseminating false information capable of causing public disorder would be investigated and prosecuted in accordance with the law.
