Nigerian police arrested Sunday Olawale for allegedly sharing a fake video that claimed a bandit attack took place in Are Ekiti [1].

The arrest highlights the growing tension between digital content creation and public security in Nigeria, where misinformation regarding militant activity can trigger widespread panic.

The incident occurred in Are Ekiti, located within the Irepodun‑Ifelodun Local Government Area of Ekiti State [1]. According to the Ekiti State Police Command, the action was taken to curb the spread of misinformation about bandit attacks [2].

While the primary reports identify the suspect as Olawale, conflicting reports from other sources mention a 25-year-old [3] TikTok creator named Kowiu Oloyede. Those conflicting reports also attribute the arrest to the Ogun State Police Command rather than the Ekiti State command [3].

Law enforcement officials in the region have increased efforts to monitor social media platforms to prevent the dissemination of false security alerts. The authorities said the arrest serves as a warning to others who use digital platforms to create panic through fabricated news.

Ekiti State has seen various security challenges in recent years, making the local population particularly sensitive to reports of banditry. The police said the fabricated video threatened to disrupt the peace within the Irepodun‑Ifelodun Local Government Area [2].

“The arrest was to curb the spread of misinformation about bandit attacks”

This incident reflects a broader trend of Nigerian authorities cracking down on 'fake news' and social media misinformation. By targeting individuals who fabricate security threats, the police are attempting to maintain public order in regions already volatile due to actual banditry. However, the contradictions in reporting regarding the suspect's identity and the responsible police command suggest a lack of synchronized communication between different regional authorities.