Police arrested two persons, a pastor and a woman, for spreading fake news on bandits attack in Lamini Community in Oyo State.
The Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, Oyo State Command, DSP Ayanlade Olayinka, in a statement, indicated that the two individuals were arrested for originating and circulating false information that bandits invaded Lamini Community in Ido Local Government Area of the state and killed six residents.
The PPRO disclosed that a voice note, widely shared on WhatsApp and other social media platforms, alleged that armed bandits had attacked the community, triggering fear, panic, and tension among residents and the general public.
According to the police, security operatives were immediately deployed to Lamini Community and surrounding areas to verify the report and reassure residents.
However, investigations and on-the-ground assessments revealed that the alleged attack never occurred.
Following the findings, the Commissioner of Police in Oyo State, CP Abimbola Ayodeji Olugbenga, directed the State Intelligence Department, SID, to conduct a comprehensive investigation into the source of the false alarm.
The police said intelligence investigations, supported by forensic analysis, traced the voice note to Pastor Amos Joel Muyiwa, who was subsequently arrested.
During interrogation, the suspect reportedly admitted to creating and circulating the voice note without verifying the authenticity of the information.
Further investigations identified one Mulikat Bashiru as the originator of the unfounded claim within the community. She was later traced and arrested in connection with the incident.
The Command stated that both suspects are currently cooperating with investigators, while efforts continue to uncover the full circumstances surrounding the case and identify any other persons involved in spreading the false information.
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