The Ekiti State Police Command has arrested a man, Sunday Olawale, for allegedly circulating false information on social media, claiming that bandits had invaded Are Ekiti in Irepodun/Ifelodun Local Government Area of the state.
The command said the widely circulated video, which surfaced online on June 12, falsely alleged that armed bandits had attacked the community, causing unnecessary panic among residents.
In a statement issued on Tuesday in Ado Ekiti, the Police Public Relations Officer, Superintendent Sunday Abutu, said investigations confirmed that the report was fabricated and that no bandit invasion occurred in Are Ekiti or any other part of the state.
According to the police spokesman, operatives of the Command’s Rapid Response Squad tracked and arrested Olawale on June 14 at the Ekute area of Ado Ekiti over allegations of cyberstalking and dissemination of false information capable of disrupting public peace.
Abutu said the suspect confessed during interrogation to sharing the misleading content on social media but failed to provide any convincing explanation for his actions.
“On the 14th of June, 2026, the Command Rapid Response Squad trailed and arrested one Sunday Olawale at Ekute area of Ado Ekiti for cyberstalking and giving of false information intended to cause breakdown of law and order,” the statement said.
“It would be recalled that on the 12th of June 2026, a video was circulating on social media claiming that bandits had invaded Are Ekiti. The video was later confirmed to be false.
“During the investigation, the suspect confessed to having peddled the false information on social media and was unable to give any satisfactory reason for his action,” Abutu added.
The police spokesperson reiterated that security agencies had not recorded any bandit invasion in Are Ekiti and urged residents to disregard the false report.
Reacting to the incident, the Commissioner of Police in Ekiti State, CP Michael Falade, warned against the spread of fake news and other forms of misinformation capable of creating fear and instability within communities.
Falade stressed that the command would continue to take decisive action against individuals who deliberately disseminate false information capable of undermining public order and security.
He also advised members of the public to verify information before sharing it on social media platforms, noting that unverified reports can fuel panic and mislead citizens.
The police assured residents of the state of their commitment to maintaining security and urged the public to rely on credible sources for information relating to safety and security matters.
