The Oyo State Police Command has arrested two individuals for allegedly spreading false information about a purported bandit attack in Lamini Community, Ido Local Government Area, which security authorities say never occurred.

The suspects identified as a pastor and a female resident, were taken into custody after police investigations traced the source of reports which claimed that six people had been killed during a bandit invasion of the community.

In a statement issued on Monday, the Police Public Relations Officer in the state, DSP Olayinka Ayanlade, said the command launched an immediate response after receiving reports that had circulated widely on WhatsApp and other social media platforms.

According to him, the messages alleged that armed bandits had stormed Lamini Community and killed six residents, triggering anxiety among locals and raising concerns about security in the area.

Ayanlade said police operatives and tactical units were promptly deployed to the community to verify the claims and reassure residents.

Investigations, however, showed that no such attack had taken place.

The police spokesperson explained that intelligence gathering and forensic analysis led investigators to Pastor Amos Muyiwa, who was alleged to have recorded and shared the voice message. He reportedly admitted to circulating the information without confirming its accuracy.

Further inquiries linked the origin of the claim to a woman identified as Mulikat Bashiru, who was subsequently tracked down and arrested.

Police said both suspects are assisting investigators as efforts continue to determine whether other individuals played a role in creating or spreading the report.

The command warned against the circulation of unverified information, describing misinformation and disinformation as threats capable of undermining public safety and confidence.

Ayanlade noted that false security alerts can cause unnecessary panic, disrupt economic and social activities, and divert security personnel and resources from genuine emergencies.

He urged residents to verify sensitive information before sharing it, emphasizing the need for responsible use of social media, particularly on issues relating to public safety and security.

At least, 40 people have died following a cholera outbreak that has swept across seven Local Government Areas of Borno State, with more than 3,000 infections recorded in 139 communities, according to government estimates.

The outbreak, which affected Maiduguri, Jere, Mafa, Konduga, Monguno, Ngala and Magumeri between May 1 and May 28, 2026, has raised concerns among residents and health authorities as the number of cases continues to rise.

Data released by the Borno State Government on Saturday, May 30, indicated that cholera had claimed 37 lives and infected more than 3,000 people. The latest figures represent a sharp increase from an epidemiological summary issued three days earlier, which reported 27 deaths and 2,715 infections between May 1 and May 27.

The statistics show that within three days, the death toll rose by 10 while more than 285 new infections were recorded.

According to the data, the Maiduguri metropolis remains the epicentre of the outbreak, accounting for more than half of all reported cases in the state.

The rapid spread of the disease has heightened fears among residents, particularly in densely populated communities where access to clean water and sanitation facilities remains limited.

Authorities have continued surveillance and response efforts in affected areas, while residents have been urged to maintain proper hygiene, ensure safe drinking water and seek immediate medical attention when symptoms appear.

A Minna High Court has convicted and sentenced five persons to death by hanging for armed robbery.

The judgment was delivered by Justice Mohammed Adishetu Mohammed of High Court No. 4, who held that the prosecution had successfully proved its case beyond reasonable doubt against the defendants.

The convicts, identified as Mikisal Ibrahim, Abubakar Ibrahim, Anthony Ibrahim, Aliyu Mohammed, and Murtala Junaidu, all residents of Minna, were arraigned on a three-count charge bordering on criminal conspiracy, armed robbery, and causing grievous hurt.

They were prosecuted by the Attorney General of Niger State through Mohammed Aliyu Kutigi, Esq., under sections 1(1) and 2(a) of the Robbery and Firearms (Special Provisions) Act, Cap R11, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, Section 247 of the Penal Code Law, and Cap 94 Laws of Niger State.

According to the prosecution, the convicts, on July 9, 2023, at about 2:15 a.m., stormed the residence of Alhaji Abdulkareem Abdullahi, owner of Talakawa Pharmacy building, in the Tunga area of Minna.

Armed with dangerous weapons, including machetes, cutlasses, and cudgels, they allegedly robbed him of cash amounting to N250,000 and other valuables.

The prosecution further told the court that the robbery operation lasted for more than three hours, during which the attackers held members of the victim’s household hostage.

At the end of the operation, they dispossessed the family of four mobile phones, an HP laptop belonging to the victim’s daughters, and jewellery.

In the course of the trial, four witnesses testified for the prosecution.

They included investigating police officers from the State Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Department (SCIID) and the victim’s daughters, who narrated their ordeal before the court.

Delivering a judgment that lasted over two hours, Justice Mohammed said he had carefully examined all the evidence, exhibits, testimonies of witnesses, and statements made by the defendants before the police.

The judge held that all the issues raised by the prosecuting counsel had been resolved in favour of the prosecution and against the defendants.

“Having perused all the evidence, testimonies and witness accounts, including the statements of the defendants before the police, the issues raised are hereby resolved in favour of the prosecution and against the defendants,” he ruled.

Justice Mohammed further stated that the prosecution, led by Mohammed Aliyu Kutigi, had established the offences against the defendants beyond reasonable doubt and consequently found them guilty on all three counts.

“Having resolved the issues raised against the defendants, they are hereby convicted accordingly and sentenced to death by hanging until they are certified dead,” the judge declared.