THE Ogun State Police Command has reportedly arrested a man for allegedly staging and circulating a fake bandit attack video on social media in a bid to gain online followers and traction.
According to a source who spoke to News Point Nigeria, the incident was reported on May 23 after one Ayinla Sodiq from Obasanjo Ota visited a police station alongside the suspect, identified as Qowiy Oloyede of Oriya, Sokoto Road, Atan Ota.
The complainant was said to have accused the suspect of creating and sharing a misleading TikTok video in which he falsely claimed that bandits had invaded the Atan Ota community, sparking concern among residents.
Following the complaint, the divisional police officer (DPO) reportedly interrogated the suspect, who allegedly confessed to fabricating the video solely to attract followers and gain popularity on social media.
In a viral video now circulating online, the suspect was seen kneeling as he was interrogated by a man dressed in a police uniform. During the exchange, he admitted to creating the fake bandit attack content in an attempt to trend and build an online audience.
He further explained that the herder featured in the video was actually a cattle rearer who usually grazes cows behind his shop. According to him, the man initially refused to take part in the recording but later agreed.
The suspect also claimed he is illiterate, stating that he could neither read nor write, and added that his apprentice was the one who composed the caption used in posting the video online.
He disclosed that he had only produced and uploaded two similar videos, one on Monday and another on Wednesday, both intended to gain attention on social media.
Police authorities were said to have recovered photographs and video materials linked to the false publication during preliminary investigations into the matter.
The report further indicated that the suspect would be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Department (SCIID) in Abeokuta for further investigation and possible prosecution.
Meanwhile, the police have warned residents against spreading false information capable of triggering panic and disturbing public peace, urging members of the public to always verify content before sharing it on social media platforms.
