Police arrest man over fake kidnap video in Ogun

By James Ogunnaike

The Ogun State Police Command has taken into custody a man named Johnson Elleh, who is accused of creating and distributing a fabricated video that claimed kidnapping and banditry were occurring along the Owode‑Idiroko corridor.

Police investigators determined that the viral clip was deliberately staged to incite fear, panic and anxiety among residents.

DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi, the Police Public Relations Officer, released a statement on Wednesday outlining the investigation that began immediately after the video appeared online.

“Upon receipt of the viral video, the Command immediately subjected its contents to scrutiny and commenced a swift investigation to verify the claims contained therein. Findings revealed that the video was false, misleading and deliberately designed to create fear, panic and anxiety among members of the public,” the statement read.

The investigation confirmed that no kidnapping or banditry incident had taken place in the Owode‑Idiroko axis or its surrounding communities, contrary to the video's depiction.

Investigators traced the video to Elleh, who appeared in it, leading to his arrest.

“Further investigation revealed that the suspect was featured in the video and was subsequently identified by detectives, leading to his arrest. Preliminary findings indicate that he deliberately fabricated and circulated the false narrative for attention and content creation purposes,” the statement added.

The Command warned that such actions could cause unnecessary public alarm, disrupt social order and erode confidence in the state's security framework.

During interrogation, Elleh confessed to intentionally creating and disseminating the misleading content to generate online engagement and public reaction.

“During the course of the investigation, the suspect reportedly confessed to intentionally creating and disseminating the misleading content to generate online engagement and public reaction. Investigation is ongoing, and the suspect will be charged to court upon conclusion of the investigation,” Babaseyi said.

The Command condemned the rising trend of fake news and false security alerts, stating that anyone who creates, publishes or re‑circulates unverified security information will face prosecution.

“The deliberate spread of fake news, false security alerts and other forms of misinformation capable of causing fear, panic and confusion among law‑abiding citizens constitutes a threat to public peace and security and will attract the full weight of the law,” the police spokesman warned.

He added that the Command would continue to identify, arrest, investigate and prosecute offenders regardless of their status or motives.

While reassuring residents of their safety, the police emphasized that Ogun State remains peaceful and secure.

“The Command acknowledges the concerns of residents who may have been alarmed by the misleading video and wishes to reassure the public that Ogun State remains safe, peaceful and secure. Residents are encouraged to remain calm, continue their lawful activities without fear and rely solely on verified information disseminated through official channels,” the statement added.

The police urged the public to report emergencies and seek credible information through official communication channels, reaffirming the Command’s commitment to protecting lives and property across the state.

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