The Lagos State Police Command has arrested 15 suspects following the killing of a commercial motorcyclist by a mob that mistakenly believed he was a bandit amid false reports of an invasion in parts of the state.
According to TheCable, the incident occurred after social media posts falsely claimed that armed bandits had invaded communities including Ibeju-Lekki, Imota and Oke-Afo, targeting schools and children.
In a statement issued on Monday, the command’s spokesperson, ACP Abimbola Adebisi, dismissed the reports as false and misleading, stressing that there was no security crisis or coordinated attack in any part of Lagos State.
“The claims contained in the circulating posts are false, misleading, unfounded, and intended to create unnecessary fear, panic, and apprehension among residents,” Adebisi said.
She added that schools across Lagos remain safe and that security agencies continue to maintain surveillance and adequate security presence in communities.
The police said the false alarm contributed to the death of 24-year-old commercial motorcyclist Kulaha Ayuba. According to the command, some youths allegedly identified him as a Fulani bandit based on the unverified reports and attacked him.
Adebisi said Ayuba was fatally assaulted, his motorcycle was stolen, and his body was later discovered in a swamp within the community.
The police confirmed that 15 suspects have been arrested and are currently being investigated.
“The command assures the public that all those found culpable will be made to face the full weight of the law,” Adebisi stated.
The police also condemned the spread of unverified information capable of inciting panic, public disorder, ethnic profiling and mob violence. Authorities warned that individuals responsible for originating or deliberately circulating false and inflammatory content could face prosecution.
Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Tijani Fatai, urged residents to remain calm and continue their lawful activities without fear.
The incident comes amid heightened public concern over security following the recent abduction of pupils and teachers in Oyo State.
