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A lady, Miss Abigael Bright, has been arrested for allegedly raising a false kidnap alarm that culminated in the assault of a commercial motorcyclist in Ore, Odigbo Local Government Area of Ondo State.
Ondo State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Abayomi Jimoh disclosed this in a Saturday statement.
According to the statement, the incident occurred on Wednesday, June 3, when Bright allegedly accused the commercial motorcyclist, Mr. Rasheed Awojobi of Idi Mango Street, Ore, of attempting to kidnap her while transporting her on his motorcycle from Ogo Oluwa Street to the Idi Mango area of the town.
Jimoh said the allegation rapidly spread within the community and drew the attention of passers-by and residents, some of whom attacked the motorcyclist before police operatives arrived at the scene and brought the situation under control.
He disclosed that the victim sustained visible injuries to his face and other parts of his body during the attack.
The statement reads, “Findings from preliminary investigations indicate that the kidnapping allegation was unfounded.
“It was also discovered that the suspect allegedly circulated the claim through her WhatsApp status, further fueling public anxiety and spreading false information within the community.
“The suspect is presently in police custody and is cooperating with investigators as inquiries continue.
“The victim was promptly rescued and given necessary medical attention.”
The Ondo police command vowed to take appropriate legal measures in line with extant laws upon conclusion of the investigation.
Reacting to the incident, the Commissioner of Police, Ondo State Command, CP Felix Ohagwu, expressed deep concern over the increasing rate of false reports and the indiscriminate sharing of unverified information capable of causing panic and disrupting public peace.
The commissioner noted that false allegations, especially those bordering on kidnapping and other serious offences, have the potential to trigger violent reactions, endanger innocent citizens, and undermine public confidence in lawful processes.
Ohagwu condemned the mob attack carried out against the motorcyclist, emphasizing that no person should be subjected to punishment based on mere suspicion or allegation.
He reiterated that jungle justice is a criminal act that frequently results in the violation of human rights, miscarriage of justice, and avoidable loss of lives.
He urged residents to channel all complaints and suspicions through the appropriate law enforcement agencies rather than taking matters into their own hands.
The commissioner further warned that individuals who engage in mob action or deliberately spread false information capable of inciting public disorder would face the full weight of the law.
