Police arrest pastor, woman over false bandit attack alarm in Oyo
The Oyo State Police Command has arrested two suspects over the alleged spread of false information claiming that bandits attacked Lamini Community in Ido Local Government Area and killed six residents, a report which authorities have since confirmed to be untrue.
The command’s spokesperson, DSP Olayinka Ayanlade, disclosed this in a statement on Monday in Ibadan, noting that the arrests followed investigations into a viral voice note circulating on WhatsApp and other social media platforms.
According to him, the misleading audio message triggered panic and tension among residents, prompting the deployment of police operatives to the community for verification, reassurance, and maintenance of public order.
Ayanlade further stated that a thorough investigation established that no such attack or killing occurred in Lamini Community, contrary to the claims contained in the viral message.
He also revealed that intelligence-led investigation traced the voice note to a pastor identified as Amos Muyiwa, who allegedly admitted to creating and sharing the false information without verifying its authenticity.
The police spokesperson added that a second suspect, identified as Mulikat Bashiru, was also arrested in connection with the initial circulation of the false claim, which contributed to widespread fear among residents.
He said both suspects are currently cooperating with investigators as efforts continue to determine the full circumstances surrounding the dissemination of the misinformation.
The command warned members of the public against spreading unverified information, stressing that misinformation and disinformation pose serious threats to peace and security, and cautioned that offenders would be prosecuted in accordance with the law.
