Police arrest two for spreading false bandit attack claims in Oyo

The Oyo State Police Command has apprehended two suspects for allegedly fabricating and disseminating false information about a bandit attack in Lamini Community, Ido Local Government Area. The false report, which claimed six people were killed, spread rapidly via a WhatsApp voice note, causing significant panic among residents.

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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.

Upon receiving the alarming report, the Command immediately deployed patrol and tactical teams to Lamini Community to verify the claims and calm the tense atmosphere. Ground verification confirmed that the purported bandit invasion and killings did not happen, establishing the report as entirely unfounded.

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the purported bandit invasion and killing of six persons never occurred.

An investigation into the source of the voice note led to the arrest of Pastor Amos Joel Muyiwa, who admitted to circulating the message without confirming its authenticity. Investigators also traced the origin of the false alarm to Mulikat Bashiru, who initially raised the unsubstantiated alert within the community.

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the ensuing intelligence-driven investigation, supported by forensic analysis, traced the incriminating voice note to Pastor Amos Joel Muyiwa, who was subsequently arrested.

The Police Commissioner emphasized the serious threat posed by the deliberate spread of misinformation and disinformation. Such acts can incite panic, erode public trust, disrupt economic activities, and divert essential security resources from genuine emergencies. The Command warned that individuals found guilty of spreading false information that causes public disorder will face legal prosecution.

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without verifying the authenticity of the information.