By Ijeoma Agbafo
The Oyo State Police Command has arrested a pastor and his female accomplice for allegedly spreading false information about a bandit attack in Lamini Community, Ido Local Government Area of the state. The suspects, identified as Pastor Amos Joel Muyiwa and Mulikat Bashiru, were apprehended after a WhatsApp voice note claiming that armed bandits had invaded the community and killed six residents went viral. The false alarm sparked panic among residents and prompted security operatives to deploy to the area.
According to the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Olayinka Ayanlade, operatives who responded found no evidence of any attack, no casualties, and no security breach, with normal activities ongoing in the community. An intelligence-led investigation, supported by forensic analysis, traced the incriminating voice note to Pastor Amos Joel Muyiwa. Further probes revealed that the false claim originated from Mulikat Bashiru, who was also arrested for raising the unfounded alarm within the community.
During interrogation, Pastor Muyiwa admitted to creating and sharing the voice note without verifying the authenticity of the information. The police noted that such misinformation caused unnecessary fear among residents and diverted critical security resources from addressing genuine threats in the state.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Abimbola Ayodeji Olugbenga, condemned the act and warned members of the public against spreading unverified security-related information. He stressed that false reports could undermine public confidence and hinder ongoing efforts to combat crime and insecurity.
The suspects remain in police custody and will be charged in court upon the conclusion of investigations. Residents were advised to rely on official channels for security updates and to verify any information before sharing it.
