Osun Police Arrest Man for False Bandit Invasion Alert on Social Media

Osun State Police have detained a 22‑year‑old man, Odetayo Adebayo Samuel of Ila Orangun, after he allegedly posted false security information on social media that sparked panic across the state.

The arrest was announced in a statement issued by the Commissioner of Police, CP Ibrahim Gotan, and signed by the spokesperson, DSP Abiodun Ojelabi, on Friday in Osogbo.

According to the statement, “the suspect allegedly published a video on Facebook on June 1 2026, through an account identified as ‘Odetayo Oluwasegun’, claiming that bandits had invaded Osun State.”

The police said the video caused widespread fear among the public, as it was viewed and shared on various social media platforms.

Preliminary investigations, however, found the claim to be false and misleading. The footage did not show a bandit attack as alleged; it captured members of the public restraining an individual who was experiencing a mental health crisis.

“The publication triggered widespread panic among residents. Preliminary investigations revealed that the video was misleading,” the statement added.

Police also disclosed that the suspect was apprehended on June 3 2026 and taken into custody for further investigation into the circumstances surrounding the publication.

The statement noted that after several appeals by the suspect’s elderly parents and a public apology tendered by him, he was warned and subsequently released.

Commissioner Gotan warned the public against circulating unverified information that could cause fear or disturb public peace. He reiterated the command’s zero‑tolerance stance on the misuse of digital platforms to spread falsehoods, urging residents to verify information before sharing it online.