BENIN CITY — The Edo State Police Command has arrested Uzebor Emmanuel, a social media influencer popularly known as “Aza Woman,” for allegedly spreading false claims regarding the kidnapping of students in Benin City.
The Incident
The suspect had circulated viral posts alleging that students from Green Park Academy and Western Boys’ College had been abducted by unidentified individuals in mini-buses. She further claimed that several victims had either escaped or paid ransoms to secure their release.
These claims, which were officially debunked by the police last week, caused widespread panic, heightened public anxiety, and drew significant concern from parents and school administrators across the state.
Police Response
In a statement issued on Sunday, Command spokesperson SP Eno Ikoedem confirmed the arrest and underscored the severity of the offense.
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Deliberate Misinformation: Preliminary investigations revealed that Emmanuel knowingly disseminated these false claims.
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Public Order: The police emphasized that such actions not only disrupt public peace but also divert critical security resources away from genuine emergencies.
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Legal Action: The command stated that the suspect will be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations.
A Stern Warning
The Edo State Police Command has issued a stern warning to social media users: the security of the state should never be jeopardized for "clout," online relevance, or engagement. Members of the public are urged to verify information through credible sources before sharing it, as the deliberate spread of misinformation regarding public safety is a serious crime with far-reaching legal consequences.
