The Osun State Police Command has arrested a 22-year-old man for allegedly circulating false information on social media claiming that bandits had invaded parts of the state.
The command’s spokesperson, DSP Abiodun Ojelabi, disclosed this in a statement issued on Friday in Osogbo, saying the suspect was apprehended over content considered misleading and capable of causing public panic.
According to the police, the suspect posted a video on his Facebook account on Monday, alleging that armed bandits had entered Osun State and were operating within some communities.
The claim reportedly sparked fear among residents and generated widespread concern across social media platforms.
However, investigations by the police revealed that the video did not depict any bandit activity as claimed. Ojelabi explained that the footage actually showed members of the public restraining an individual believed to be suffering from a mental health condition.
“The video shared by the suspect was misleading and falsely presented to the public as evidence of a bandit invasion,” the police spokesperson said.
He noted that the suspect’s actions contravened provisions of Section 24 of the Cybercrimes Act, 2015, and other relevant laws relating to the dissemination of false information online.
The police further disclosed that although the suspect was arrested on Wednesday, he was subsequently released following appeals made by his elderly parents.
According to the command, the young man has since issued a public apology and pledged not to engage in similar conduct in the future.
Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police in Osun State, CP Ibrahim Gotan, has urged residents to verify information before sharing it, particularly on social media platforms.
Gotan warned that the spread of unverified reports could create unnecessary fear, threaten public peace and undermine security efforts in the state.
He reaffirmed the command’s commitment to combating misinformation and cautioned members of the public against using digital platforms to circulate false or alarmist content capable of causing unrest.
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