Bayelsa State Police Command has apprehended a 23-year-old university student in connection with the alleged spread of a fake social media message stating that bandits have invaded certain parts of the state.
This false alert reportedly caused chaos and the disruption of normalcy in some of the communities.
This was revealed during a press conference conducted in Yenagoa on Thursday by Commissioner of Police, CP Iyamah Edebor.
CP Edebor said the accused, who is named as Promise Etete, 300-level student of the University of Uyo and an indigene of Akwa Ibom State, was traced and arrested through intelligence-led policing, cyber investigation and technical surveillance.
Read Also: IGP Disu Urges Cross-Border Cooperation to Tackle Organized Crime
The police chief stated that the false report which was spread widely on June 5, 2026 claimed that bandits have taken control of some sections of the state and were being kept captive by militants and would be freed on payment of a N50 million ransom.
This report caused fear among the residents and led to parents rushing to schools to pick their kids from Polaku Community and its environs.
Edebor stated that the command swiftly dispatched operatives and intelligence officers to the areas after they received information about the viral post. Edebor noted that ground assessments and intelligence showed that there was no invasion by the bandits, no attacks on any school or threats to the people’s safety.
According to the police commissioner, the suspect has been detained at the SCID and his statements are now helping in the investigation process.
He cautioned people from abusing the social media platform, adding that any person found spreading false information capable of causing panic among the populace will be charged to court.
Edebor further advised the citizens to check their security information from reliable sources before circulating them because everything is calm with regards to security in Bayelsa State.
On another note, Edebor revealed that the police arrested a suspect by the name Ibobuminaten Oweifa over the alleged attempt to murder Godgift Biko in Okodi Community.
The police have reported that Oweifa was alleged to have told the victim that he stole plank wood, tied him up with wire, and set him on fire with some fuel and a lighter on June 24.
It was noted that the victim was saved by the police operatives and admitted to a hospital for treatment.
However, the Command further reported that the investigation of the case was ongoing and that the suspect would be arraigned in court after the investigation.”
