Oyo State Police Command has arrested Pastor Amos Joel Muyiwa and Mulikat Bashiru for allegedly spreading false information about a purported bandit attack in Lamini Community, Ido Local Government Area.
The arrests was sequel to investigations into a viral voice note claiming armed bandits invaded Lamini and killed six residents.
The audio went viral on WhatsApp and other social media platforms, triggering panic among residents.
DSP Ayanlade Olayinka, the Command’s Public Relations Officer, said in a statement Monday that patrol and tactical teams were immediately deployed to Lamini and adjoining areas to verify the claim.
“Following thorough on-the-ground verification, it was conclusively established that the purported bandit invasion and killing of six persons never occurred,” he stated.
Commissioner of Police CP Abimbola Ayodeji Olugbenga directed the State Intelligence Department to trace the source. Forensic analysis traced the voice note to Pastor Muyiwa, who admitted creating and circulating it without verifying the information.
It was revealed the false alarm originated from Mulikat Bashiru within the community. She was traced and arrested.
Both suspects are cooperating with investigators as police work to identify others involved in creating or sharing the false narrative.
The Command condemned the deliberate spread of fake news, warning that such actions threaten public order, national security, and peaceful coexistence. It said false reports cause panic, disrupt economic activities, and divert security resources from real emergencies.
Police urged residents to verify information through official sources before sharing. “Anyone found originating or disseminating false information capable of causing public disorder will be prosecuted,” the statement warned.
