The Bayelsa State Police Command has arrested a 23-year-old university student for allegedly originating and circulating a false social media report claiming that bandits had invaded parts of the state and were being held by militants demanding a ₦50 million ransom.
The Commissioner of Police, Daniel Iyamah, disclosed the arrest during a press briefing in Yenagoa on Friday.
According to the police commissioner, the fake report, which surfaced on June 5, 2026, sparked widespread panic and disrupted commercial and academic activities in several parts of the state.
Iyamah explained that the false publication alleged that armed bandits had infiltrated communities in Bayelsa and were later captured by militants, who reportedly demanded ₦50 million for their release.
"The publication generated widespread concern among residents and triggered panic in several communities," the commissioner said.
He noted that the report particularly affected Polaku Community and surrounding areas, where worried parents rushed to schools to pick up their children, while business activities were temporarily brought to a halt.
"As a result of the false report, parents in Polaku Community and its environs rushed to schools to pick up their children, while commercial activities were temporarily disrupted, and many citizens became apprehensive about their safety," he stated.
Iyamah said the command immediately deployed intelligence and operational personnel to verify the claims.
"Following extensive on-the-spot assessments and intelligence gathering, it became evident that the information being circulated was entirely false," he added.
He identified the suspect as Promise Etete, a 23-year-old 300-level student of the University of Uyo and an indigene of Akwa Ibom State.
According to him, investigators tracked and arrested the suspect through intelligence-led policing, digital investigation, and technical surveillance.
"Through intelligence-led policing, digital investigation and technical tracking, detectives successfully identified, tracked and arrested one Promise Etete, a 23-year-old 300-level student of the University of Uyo, in connection with originating and posting the misleading report," Iyamah said.
The suspect is currently being held at the State Criminal Investigation Department and has reportedly made useful statements to investigators as inquiries continue.
The commissioner warned against the irresponsible use of social media, stressing that those who deliberately spread false information capable of causing public panic would face the full weight of the law.
"Let me state clearly that cyberspace is not beyond the reach of law enforcement.
"I, therefore, warn individuals who use social media irresponsibly to desist from such acts. I also urge residents to verify security-related information before sharing it," he cautioned.
Iyamah reassured residents that there was no bandit invasion, no attack on schools, and no threat to public safety as claimed in the viral report.
Suspect Arrested Over Attempted Murder
The police command also announced the arrest of a suspect in connection with an attempted murder in Okodi Community.
According to Iyamah, the suspect, Ibobuminaten Oweifa, a son of the traditional ruler of Okodi Community, allegedly accused one Godgift Biko of stealing planks before tying him with wire and setting him ablaze with petrol and a lighter.
"Upon receipt of the information, the DPO immediately swung into action and arrested the suspect. Meanwhile, the victim was rescued and taken to a clinic where he is receiving treatment," the commissioner said.
He added that investigations were ongoing and that the suspect would be charged in court upon their conclusion.
"The Command strongly condemns all forms of violence, jungle justice and acts capable of endangering human life," Iyamah stated.
The Bayelsa State Police Command also expressed concern over the growing spread of misinformation on social media, especially on security-related issues. It noted that false reports of attacks, kidnappings, and communal clashes have, in recent years, caused panic, disrupted economic activities, and diverted security resources across different parts of Nigeria.
The command urged members of the public to verify information through credible sources before sharing it, warning that those who deliberately spread false security reports online could be prosecuted under existing cybercrime and criminal laws.
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