The Oyo State Police Command has arrested two suspects in connection with the dissemination of false information alleging that bandits invaded Lamini Community in Ido Local Government Area of Oyo State and killed six persons.
According to a statement issued on Monday by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Ayanlade Olayinka, the Command’s attention was drawn to a widely circulated voice note shared across WhatsApp platforms and other social media channels claiming that armed bandits had attacked the community and killed six residents.
The police said the report generated fear, panic and apprehension among residents and members of the public, creating unnecessary tension within and around the area.
Following the circulation of the voice note, the Command deployed patrol and tactical teams to Lamini Community and its environs to verify the claim, reassure residents and assess the security situation.
The police said investigations and on-the-ground verification established that the alleged bandit invasion and killing of six persons never occurred.
Subsequently, the Commissioner of Police, Oyo State Command, CP Abimbola Ayodeji Olugbenga, directed the State Intelligence Department (SID) to conduct a comprehensive investigation into the origin and dissemination of the false information.
According to the statement, an intelligence-driven investigation supported by forensic analysis traced the voice note to Pastor Amos Joel Muyiwa, who was later arrested.
During interrogation, Muyiwa reportedly admitted to authoring and circulating the voice note without verifying the authenticity of the information.
Further investigations revealed that the false alarm originated from a woman identified as Mulikat Bashiru, who allegedly raised the unfounded claim within the community. She was subsequently traced and arrested.
The police said both suspects are cooperating with investigators as efforts continue to determine the full circumstances surrounding the incident and identify any other individuals involved in creating or spreading the false narrative.
The Command described the deliberate spread of false information, fake news, misinformation and disinformation as a serious threat to public order, national security and peaceful coexistence.
It warned that such actions are capable of triggering panic, undermining public confidence, disrupting socio-economic activities and diverting security resources away from genuine emergencies.
The police further urged residents to exercise caution and responsibility in their use of social media and other communication platforms, advising members of the public to verify information through credible and official sources before sharing it.
The Command also warned that individuals found deliberately originating or disseminating false information capable of causing public disorder would be investigated and prosecuted in accordance with extant laws.
For emergencies, residents are advised to contact the Oyo State Call Response Centre through its toll-free line, 615, or the Oyo State Police Command Control Room on 08081768614 and 07055495413.
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