Police arrest woman over false students’ kidnap claims in Edo

The Edo State Police Command has apprehended Uzebor Emmanuel, widely recognized on social media as "Aza Woman," for disseminating false reports of student kidnappings. Her viral publications falsely alleged that students from Green Park Academy and Western Boys’ College in Benin City had been abducted.

“

Further to the earlier press release issued by the Edo State Police Command regarding the false and misleading report of an alleged kidnapping of students at Green Park Academy, Aduwawa, and Western Boys’ College, Ikpoba Hill, Benin City, the Command wishes to inform the general public that one Uzebor Emmanuel (f), popularly known on social media as ‘Aza Woman,’ has been arrested in connection with the viral publications.

The police command had previously debunked these claims, stating they generated unnecessary public concern. In a statement, the command's spokesperson, SP Eno Ikoedem, emphasized that deliberately spreading false information, especially concerning public safety, is a grave offense with significant repercussions. The suspect allegedly posted that several individuals were kidnapped via minibuses, with some escaping and others paying ransoms.

“

Preliminary investigations reveal that the suspect knowingly disseminated false claims in various social media posts alleging that about six persons had been kidnapped through various mini transport buses. According to her, some purportedly escaped from their abductors, while others paid ransom.

These fabricated reports caused widespread apprehension and anxiety, potentially eroding public confidence in the state's security infrastructure. Ikoedem cautioned against jeopardizing state security for online engagement or social media relevance. The suspect will face charges upon completion of the investigation. The command urged the public to verify information from credible sources before sharing and to avoid spreading falsehoods that could disturb public peace.

“

These publications generated widespread apprehension, heightened public anxiety, and could undermine public confidence in the security architecture of the state.