The Ogun State Police Command has arrested a 25-year-old tailor and content creator, Kowiu Oloyede, for allegedly posting a fake bandit attack video on TikTok in a bid to gain social media fame.
According to the police, the viral video falsely claimed that bandits had invaded the Atan-Ota area of Ogun State, triggering fear and panic among residents before authorities discovered the incident was staged.
During interrogation, Oloyede admitted that no real attack occurred and said he created the content after seeing similar videos trend online.
“I wanted to be famous like Peller,” he reportedly told investigators, referring to popular Nigerian streamer Peller. He explained that he hoped the videos would help him grow his TikTok audience and make him popular on social media.
The suspect said he filmed the clips in a bush behind his tailoring shop using acquaintances and a Fulani cattle herder who was unaware of the false narrative attached to the video.
Oloyede also revealed that the stunt significantly increased his online following, claiming he gained over 1,000 followers and thousands of likes shortly after posting the clip.
“When I saw the first video did well, it gave me morale,” he reportedly said while explaining why he attempted additional videos.
The Ogun State Police Command condemned the act, describing it as dangerous misinformation capable of causing public unrest and panic within communities.
Police authorities said the suspect has been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) in Eleweran, Abeokuta, for further investigation and possible prosecution.
The command also warned Nigerians against spreading fake security alerts or misleading content online, stressing that individuals found guilty of creating panic through false information would face legal consequences.
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