Social media influencer, Aza Woman, real name: Uzebor Emmanuel, has been arrested for making a false Kidnap claim.
The Edo State Police Command made the arrest based on the report by Uzebor that
students of Green Park Academy, Aduwawa in Benin, were kidnapped.
The post which triggered public panic was subsequently debunked by the the police who have now arrested the peddler.
In a statement released on Sunday the State Command’s spokesperson, SP Eno Ikoedem, declared that peddling falsehoods deliberately particularly in matter of public safety and security, is a serious offence with far-reaching consequences.
“Further to the earlier press release issued by the Edo State Police Command regarding the false and misleading report of an alleged kidnapping of students at Green Park Academy, Aduwawa, and Western Boys’ College, Ikpoba Hill, Benin City, the Command wishes to inform the general public that one Uzebor Emmanuel (f), popularly known on social media as ‘Aza Woman,’ has been arrested in connection with the viral publications.
“Preliminary investigations reveal that the suspect knowingly disseminated false claims in various social media posts alleging that about six persons had been kidnapped through various mini transport buses. According to her, some purportedly escaped from their abductors, while others paid ransom.
“These publications generated widespread apprehension, heightened public anxiety, and could undermine public confidence in the security architecture of the state.
“The Edo State Police Command reiterates that the deliberate spread of false information, particularly on matters relating to public safety and security, is a serious offence with far-reaching consequences. Such actions are capable of inciting panic, disrupting public order, and diverting security resources from genuine emergencies,” the statement read partly.
