Edo Police Detain Woman For Allegedly Making False Kidnap Claims On Social Media

Lucky Obukohwo, Reporting

BENIN CITY, EDO – The Edo State Police Command has apprehended a woman, identified as Uzebor Emmanuella, also known as “Aza Woman,” for allegedly spreading false information on social media about a reported kidnapping incident in Benin City.

Police stated that she shared a video online claiming that students from Green Park Academy in Aduwawa and Western Boys’ College in Ikpoba Hill had been abducted.

Further investigation by the command indicated that Emmanuella deliberately circulated misleading content on several social media platforms, falsely alleging that about six people were kidnapped using different mini-buses within the state.

The suspect was also alleged to have claimed that some of the victims escaped from their captors while others secured their freedom after the payment of ransom.

Reacting to the development, the
spokesperson for the Edo State Police Command, ASP Eno Ikoedem, said the false reports created unnecessary fear among residents and had the potential to erode public trust in the state’s security framework.

“The Edo State Police Command reiterates that the deliberate spread of false information, particularly on matters relating to public safety and security, is a serious offence with far-reaching consequences.

“Such actions are capable of inciting panic, disrupting public order, and diverting security resources from genuine emergencies.

“The security of a state should never be jeopardized for views, engagement, online relevance, or any other form of social media gratification.

“The suspect will be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations.”

The police command appealed to members of the public to always verify information before sharing it, especially on issues relating to security and public safety.