Police nab man for making fake kidnapping video in Ogun

The Ogun State Police Command has arrested Johnson Elleh for producing and disseminating a misleading video that falsely claimed kidnapping and banditry activities along the Owode-Idiroko axis. The command's spokesperson, DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi, announced the arrest in a statement on Thursday.

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Findings revealed that the video was false, misleading, and deliberately designed to create fear, panic, and anxiety among the members of the public.

This incident follows the recent arrest of Qawiyu Oloyede, who also posted a fake bandit attack video on social media to generate fear. Oloyede, a tailor, admitted to creating the false video to gain followers.

Upon receiving the viral video, the Ogun State Police Command initiated a swift investigation. Findings confirmed the video was false, misleading, and intentionally created to instill fear and anxiety. Extensive verification revealed no actual kidnapping or banditry incidents occurred in the Owode-Idiroko area as depicted.

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Extensive investigation and verification further established that there was no kidnapping or banditry incident as portrayed in the video within the Owode-Idiroko axis or its environs.

Further investigation identified Elleh, who was featured in the video, leading to his arrest. Preliminary findings suggest he deliberately fabricated and circulated the false narrative for attention and content creation. Police stated his actions could cause unnecessary public alarm, disrupt social order, and undermine confidence in the state's security apparatus.

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Preliminary findings indicate that he deliberately fabricated and circulated the false narrative for attention and content creation purposes.

During the investigation, Elleh reportedly confessed to intentionally creating and spreading the misleading content to boost online engagement. The police are continuing their investigation and plan to charge him in court. The command strongly condemned the deliberate spread of fake news and misinformation, issuing a stern warning that such acts pose a threat to public peace and security and will be prosecuted under the law.

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His actions were capable of causing unnecessary public alarm, disrupting social order, and undermining public confidence in the security architecture of the State.