The Edo State Police Command has arrested a social media influencer, Uzebor Emmanuella, popularly known as “Aza Woman,” over the circulation of what authorities described as false reports alleging the kidnapping of students in parts of Benin City.
The arrest follows viral social media posts claiming that students of Green Park Academy, Aduwawa, and Western Boys’ College, Ikpoba Hill, were victims of a series of abductions allegedly carried out through mini transport buses.
In an update issued on Friday, the Command said preliminary investigations revealed that the suspect knowingly spread unverified claims that about six persons had been kidnapped, with some reportedly escaping from their captors while others allegedly paid ransom for their release.
According to the police, the publications sparked widespread fear and anxiety among residents and had the potential to erode public confidence in the state’s security framework.
The Command warned that the deliberate dissemination of false information, especially on issues relating to public safety and security, constitutes a serious offence with far-reaching consequences.
Police authorities noted that such reports are capable of inciting panic, disrupting public order, and diverting security resources away from genuine emergencies.
“The security of a state should never be jeopardised for views, engagement, online relevance, or any other form of social media gratification,” the statement stressed.
The Command disclosed that the suspect would be charged to 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 falsehoods capable of disturbing public peace and order.
