A 25-year-old fashion designer, Kowiu Oloyede, has been arrested in Ogun State for allegedly posting a fake TikTok video claiming bandits had invaded the Atan-Ota community, police said Tuesday.
The Ogun State Police Command said Oloyede was arrested Saturday, May 23, 2026, after the video went viral and triggered panic among residents. Authorities described the content as false and capable of causing public unrest.
The suspect, who owns a tailoring shop in the community, has been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department in Eleweran, Abeokuta, for further investigation.
In a video interview released by the police, Oloyede admitted creating the content to grow his social media following.
“I am the owner of the account. I created it for my business in January 2026,” he said.
He said he was inspired by similar trending TikTok content and did not realize the implications of his actions.
“I didn’t hear information from anywhere. I was scrolling TikTok one day when I saw the bandit sound … I used it to gain followers,” he said, adding that he was unaware his actions could be illegal.
Oloyede said the video was shot in a bush behind his shop and that he was assisted by some young men who sometimes stay there.
He also admitted posting a follow-up video in which he appeared to stage a scene involving a Fulani herder, which he later deleted.
The suspect said the initial video increased his online visibility, boosting his followers from about 60 to more than 1,000 and generating about 8,000 likes.
He said he was encouraged by acquaintances to continue posting similar content but later realized the consequences.
The police warned residents against spreading unverified or misleading information on social media, saying such actions could incite fear or disrupt public peace.
The command added that it remains committed to prosecuting individuals who spread false information capable of causing panic.
