Edo police launch manhunt for blogger over alleged false kidnapping report

The Edo State Police Command has launched efforts to arrest a blogger known as “Azawoman” for allegedly concocting and spreading a false report that students of Green Park Academy in Benin were kidnapped..

The command said the suspect is wanted for questioning and possible prosecution in accordance with relevant laws.

The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), ASP Eno Ikoedem, disclosed this in a statement issued in Benin on Thursday, describing the report as false, misleading and capable of causing unnecessary panic among residents.

According to Ikoedem, investigations conducted by the command established that no kidnapping occurred in the school as claimed.

It said preliminary findings revealed that the report lacked any factual basis and was deliberately spread on social media to misinform the public and create fear within the state.

“Following a thorough verification and preliminary investigation by the command, it was found that no incident of kidnapping took place in the school as claimed.

“The findings reveal that the report is completely false, devoid of any factual basis and was deliberately disseminated to misinform the public and create unwarranted panic within the state,” he said.

The police spokesperson condemned the spread of false information, stressing that such actions could undermine public trust and divert attention from real safety concerns.

It warned that the dissemination of false security alerts poses a threat to public order and will not be tolerated.

“Accordingly, the command has initiated measures to arrest the author of the false report for questioning and possible prosecution in accordance with existing laws,” he added.

Ikoedem quoted the Edo State Commissioner of Police, Monday Agbonika, as assuring residents that the security situation across the state remains stable and under control.

The commissioner urged the public to verify information through credible and official channels before sharing it on social media or other platforms.

He also called on residents to continue to support security agencies with credible intelligence to help sustain peace, security and law and order across the State.

The command reiterated its commitment to maintaining law and order and warned against the deliberate spread of disinformation capable of causing public anxiety and disrupting social harmony.