The Bayelsa State Police Command has arrested a 300-level university student over a viral social media post alleging that militants in the state had kidnapped suspected bandits and demanded a ₦50 million ransom, describing the report as false and capable of causing widespread panic.
Commissioner of Police, CP Iyamah Daniel Edebor, disclosed this during a press briefing at the Command Headquarters in Yenagoa on Thursday, saying the suspect has been taken into custody while investigations continue.
According to the police commissioner, the false report, which circulated widely on June 5, 2026, claimed that bandits had infiltrated parts of Bayelsa State and were captured by militants who demanded ₦50 million for their release.
He said the publication created widespread fear among residents, forcing parents in Polaku Community and neighbouring areas to rush to schools to pick up their children, while commercial activities were temporarily disrupted.
“The false publication generated unnecessary panic across parts of the state and created fear among residents,” the commissioner said.
CP Edebor explained that following the circulation of the report, the command immediately deployed operational and intelligence teams to the affected communities to verify the claims.
He said on-the-spot assessments and intelligence gathering confirmed that there was no bandit invasion, no attack on schools, and no threat to public safety as alleged.
Through intelligence-led policing, digital investigation, and technical tracking, detectives traced and arrested Promise Etete, 23, an indigene of Akwa Ibom State and a 300-level student of the University of Uyo, for allegedly originating and circulating the false report.
The suspect is currently being held at the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), where he has reportedly made useful statements assisting ongoing investigations.
The commissioner warned members of the public against the irresponsible use of social media, stressing that cyberspace is not beyond the reach of law enforcement agencies.
He also urged residents to verify security-related information before sharing it, warning that the dissemination of false information capable of causing public panic is a criminal offence.
Police Arrest Suspect Over Attempted Murder
The police command also announced the arrest of a suspect in connection with an alleged attempted murder involving a son of a traditional ruler in Okodi Community.
According to CP Edebor, the incident occurred on June 24, 2026, at about 7:05 p.m., when Ibobuminaten Oweifa, said to be a son of the traditional ruler of Okodi Community, allegedly accused one Godgift Biko of stealing plank wood.
The commissioner alleged that the suspect tied the victim with wire before setting him ablaze with fuel and a lighter.
He said officers attached to the relevant police division responded swiftly to the report, rescued the victim, and arrested the suspect.
The victim was immediately taken to a medical facility, where he is currently receiving treatment.
CP Edebor stated that preliminary investigations are ongoing and assured that the suspect would be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations.
The police commissioner condemned all forms of jungle justice, mob action, and violence, reiterating the command’s commitment to protecting lives and ensuring that offenders are brought to justice.
He reassured residents of Bayelsa State of the command’s resolve to maintain peace and security across the state and urged citizens to continue supporting the police with credible and timely information.
