The Bayelsa State Police Command has arrested a 23-year-old university student for originating and circulating a false social media report claiming that bandits had invaded parts of the state and were being held by militants demanding a N50 million ransom.
The Commissioner of Police, Daniel Iyamah, disclosed this during a press briefing in Yenagoa on Friday.
Iyamah said the fake report, which surfaced on June 5, 2026, caused widespread panic and disrupted commercial and academic activities in parts of the state.
According to the police commissioner, the false report alleged that armed bandits had infiltrated Bayelsa communities and were captured by militants demanding N50 million for their release.
“The publication generated widespread concern among residents and triggered panic in several communities,” Iyamah said.
He added that the misinformation sparked panic, particularly in Polaku Community and neighbouring areas, where parents rushed to schools to pick up their children while commercial activities were temporarily disrupted.
“As a result of the false report, parents in Polaku Community and its environs rushed to schools to pick up their children, while commercial activities were temporarily disrupted, and many citizens became apprehensive about their safety,” he said.
Iyamah said the command immediately deployed operational and intelligence assets to verify the claims.
“Following extensive on-the-spot assessments and intelligence gathering, it became evident that the information being circulated was entirely false,” he said.
The police commissioner identified the suspect as Promise Etete, a 23-year-old 300-level student of the University of Uyo and an indigene of Akwa Ibom State.
“Through intelligence-led policing, digital investigation and technical tracking, detectives successfully identified, tracked and arrested one Promise Etete, a 23-year-old 300-level student of the University of Uyo, in connection with originating and posting the misleading report,” he said.
According to Iyamah, the suspect is being held at the State Criminal Investigation Department and has made useful statements that are assisting ongoing investigations.
He warned against the misuse of social media, stressing that the police would not tolerate the spread of false information capable of causing public panic.
“Let me state clearly that cyberspace is not beyond the reach of law enforcement.
“I, therefore, warn individuals who use social media irresponsibly to desist from such acts. I also urge residents to verify security-related information before sharing it,” he said.
The commissioner reassured residents that there was no bandit invasion, no attack on schools and no threat to public safety as alleged in the viral report.
Meanwhile, the command also announced the arrest of a suspect in connection with an attempted murder in Okodi Community.
According to Iyamah, the suspect, identified as Ibobuminaten Oweifa, a son of the traditional ruler of Okodi Community, allegedly accused one Godgift Biko of stealing planks, tied him with wire and set him ablaze using petrol and a lighter.
“Upon receipt of the information, the DPO immediately swung into action and arrested the suspect. Meanwhile, the victim was rescued and taken to a clinic where he is receiving treatment,” he said.
He added that investigations had commenced and that the suspect would be charged to court upon conclusion of the investigation.
“The Command strongly condemns all forms of violence, jungle justice and acts capable of endangering human life,” Iyamah said.
The increasing use of social media has heightened concerns over the spread of misinformation, particularly on security issues.
In recent years, false reports of attacks, kidnappings and communal violence have triggered panic, disrupted economic activities and diverted security resources in several parts of Nigeria.
Law enforcement agencies have repeatedly warned that individuals who deliberately circulate false security information online could face prosecution under existing cybercrime and criminal laws, while urging members of the public to verify information through credible sources before sharing it.
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