Student Arrested for Spreading False Bandit Claims in Bayelsa

The Bayelsa State Police Command arrested Promis Etet, a 23-year-old 300-level student at the University of Uyo, for circulating false reports on social media claiming that armed bandits had invaded parts of Bayelsa and demanded a ransom of N50 million. This misinformation, which surfaced on June 5, 2026, led to widespread panic, disrupted commercial and academic activities, and caused parents in the Polaku community to rush to schools to pick up their children.

Police Commissioner Daniel Iyamah stated that the command deployed intelligence assets to verify the claims, which were found to be entirely false. The suspect was identified through digital investigative techniques and is currently held at the State Criminal Investigation Department.

The police reiterated their stance against the spread of false information that could incite public panic, emphasizing that cyberspace is not beyond the reach of law enforcement. Additionally, the command announced the arrest of a suspect in an attempted murder case in Okodi community.