The Osun State Police Command has arrested a 22-year-old man for allegedly spreading false information on social media claiming that bandits had invaded parts of the state.
The command’s spokesperson, DSP Abiodun Ojelabi, disclosed this in a statement issued in Osogbo, the state capital.
According to Ojelabi, the suspect published a video on his Facebook account on Monday, alleging that armed bandits had entered Osun State, a claim that reportedly caused fear and anxiety among residents.
“The suspect disseminated misleading content on social media, falsely claiming that bandits had invaded the state.
The post generated unnecessary panic among members of the public,” Ojelabi said.
He explained that preliminary investigations by the police revealed that the video did not depict any bandit attack as claimed.
“The footage shared by the suspect actually showed members of the public restraining an individual suffering from a mental health condition. The narrative attached to the video was entirely false and misleading,” the police spokesperson added.
Ojelabi stated that the suspect was arrested on Wednesday for an offence contrary to Section 24 of the Cybercrimes Act, 2015, and other relevant laws.
However, he noted that the young man was later released following appeals by his elderly parents.
According to him, the suspect has since issued a public apology for his actions and was warned against engaging in similar conduct in the future.
The Commissioner of Police in the state, CP Ibrahim Gotan, urged residents to verify information before sharing it, particularly on social media platforms.
“Members of the public should refrain from circulating unverified information capable of creating panic, inciting fear or disturbing public peace,” Gotan warned.
The police commissioner reaffirmed the command’s commitment to tackling the spread of false information and maintaining public order across the state.
He stressed that the command would not tolerate the misuse of digital platforms to spread harmful falsehoods capable of undermining security and public confidence.
