‎Oyo Police Arrest Two Over False Bandit Attack Claim in Ido Community

‎The Oyo State Police Command has arrested two individuals for allegedly spreading false information about a purported bandit attack in Lamini Community, Ido Local Government Area, which falsely claimed that six residents were killed.
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‎In a public statement released on Monday, the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Ayanlade Olayinka, said that the Oyo State Command, CP Abimbola Ayodeji Olugbenga, subsequently directed the State Intelligence Department (SID) to launch a comprehensive investigation into the source of the misleading information.
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‎According to the statement, a voice note that circulated widely on WhatsApp and other social media platforms alleged that armed bandits had invaded the community and carried out a deadly attack. The report sparked fear, panic, and anxiety among residents and members of the public.
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‎In response, the Command swiftly deployed patrol and tactical teams to Lamini Community and surrounding areas to verify the claim and reassure residents. Following extensive field investigations and assessments, security operatives established that no such attack occurred and that the report was entirely false.
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‎The Commissioner of Police, Oyo State Command, CP Abimbola Ayodeji Olugbenga, subsequently directed the State Intelligence Department (SID) to launch a comprehensive investigation into the source of the misleading information.
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‎Police investigations, supported by forensic analysis, traced the viral voice note to Pastor Amos Joel Muyiwa, who was later arrested. During interrogation, he reportedly admitted to creating and circulating the voice message without verifying the authenticity of the information.
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‎Meanwhile, further investigations revealed that the false claim originated from one Mulikat Bashiru, who allegedly raised the alarm within the community. She was subsequently tracked down and arrested. Both suspects are currently assisting investigators as authorities work to uncover the full circumstances surrounding the incident and identify any other individuals involved.
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‎However, the Police Command described the deliberate spread of fake news, misinformation, and disinformation as a serious threat to public safety, national security, and social stability. It noted that such actions can incite panic, erode public trust, disrupt economic activities, and divert security resources from genuine emergencies.
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‎The Command emphasized that misinformation undermines ongoing efforts by security agencies, community leaders, and citizens to maintain peace and security across Oyo State. It warned that individuals found deliberately creating or sharing false information capable of causing public disorder would face prosecution under existing laws.
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‎The police further urged residents to exercise caution when sharing information online and to verify reports through credible and official channels before forwarding them.
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‎Authorities also encouraged members of the public to make use of the state’s emergency communication channels whenever security concerns arise.
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