The Edo State Police Command has arrested a social media personality, Uzebor Emmanuel, popularly known as “Aza Woman,” for allegedly spreading false reports of student kidnappings in parts of Benin City.
The arrest follows investigations into viral social media posts claiming that students were being kidnapped around Green Park Academy, Aduwawa, and Western Boys’ College, Ikpoba Hill, in Benin City.
In an update issued on Saturday, the police said preliminary findings showed that the suspect deliberately circulated misleading information alleging that about six people had been abducted through various mini transport buses. The posts further claimed that some victims escaped from their captors while others reportedly paid ransom to secure their freedom.
According to the Command, the publications sparked widespread fear and anxiety among residents and had the potential to undermine public confidence in the state’s security framework.
The police reiterated that the deliberate dissemination of false information, particularly on matters relating to public safety and security, constitutes a serious offence with far-reaching consequences.
“The security of a state should never be jeopardised for views, engagement, online relevance, or any other form of social media gratification,” the Command stated.
It warned that false reports are capable of inciting panic, disrupting public order, and diverting security resources from genuine emergencies.
The Command disclosed that the suspect would be charged in court upon the conclusion of investigations.
It also urged members of the public to verify information from credible sources before sharing it and to refrain from using social media platforms to spread unverified claims capable of disturbing public peace and order. #Securitynewsalert.com
