The Bayelsa State Police Command has arrested a 23-year-old university student for 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 N50 million ransom.
The Commissioner of Police, Daniel Iyamah, disclosed this during a press briefing in Yenagoa on Friday.
Iyamah said the fake report, which surfaced on June 5, 2026, caused widespread panic and disrupted commercial and academic activities in parts of the state.
According to the police commissioner, the false report alleged that armed bandits had infiltrated Bayelsa communities and were captured by militants demanding N50 million for their release.
“The publication generated widespread concern among residents and triggered panic in several communities,” Iyamah said.
He added that the misinformation sparked panic, particularly in Polaku Community and neighbouring areas, where parents rushed to schools to pick up their children while commercial activities
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