Woman arrested over false kidnap alarm in Edo

Operatives of the Edo State Police Command have arrested a woman for allegedly spreading false information about the kidnapping of students in the state. The suspect, identified as Uzebor Emmanuel, popularly known on social media as “Aza Woman,” allegedly circulated reports claiming that students of the Green Park Academy, Aduwawa, and Western Boys’ College, Ikpoba […]

Operatives of the Edo State Police Command have arrested a woman for allegedly spreading false information about the kidnapping of students in the state.

The suspect, identified as Uzebor Emmanuel, popularly known on social media as “Aza Woman,” allegedly circulated reports claiming that students of the Green Park Academy, Aduwawa, and Western Boys’ College, Ikpoba Hill, Benin City, had been abducted.

She reportedly alleged that six students travelling to write examinations were kidnapped through various mini-buses operating in the state.

In a statement, the spokesperson of the Edo State Police Command, CSP Moses Yamu, said the suspect was arrested for allegedly disseminating false information capable of causing public panic and misleading residents.

“The command wishes to inform the public that one Uzebor Emmanuel, popularly known on social media as ‘Aza Woman,’ has been arrested in connection with viral publications containing false kidnapping claims,” the statement said.

According to the police, preliminary investigations revealed that the suspect knowingly circulated false reports alleging that six persons had been abducted through commercial mini-buses operating within the state.

The police added that she also claimed that some of the alleged victims escaped from their abductors while others paid ransom to secure their freedom.

The command said the publications generated widespread fear and anxiety among residents and had the potential to undermine public confidence in the state’s security architecture.

The police urged members of the public to verify information before sharing it on social media and warned against the spread of false reports capable of causing unnecessary panic.

Investigation into the matter is ongoing.