Edo Police Arrest “Aza Woman” Over Viral False Kidnapping Report in Benin City
By Ojo Evans
Benin City, June 6, 2026 – The Edo State Police Command has arrested social media influencer Uzebor Emmanuella, popularly known as “Aza Woman”, over false reports alleging the kidnapping of students at Aduwawa and Ikpoba Hill areas of Benin City. The Command disclosed this in an update released on Friday, following an earlier press statement debunking the claims.
According to the Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Eno Ikodem, preliminary investigations showed that the suspect knowingly circulated false posts on various social media platforms. In the posts, she alleged that about 6 persons were abducted in mini transport buses around Green Park Academy, Aduwawa, and Western Boys’ College, Ikpoba Hill. She also claimed that some victims escaped while others paid ransom to their abductors.
The Command said the viral publications generated widespread panic among parents, students and residents. Police noted that the falsehood heightened public anxiety and threatened to erode confidence in the state’s security framework at a time when security agencies are working to improve safety across Edo.
Describing the act as a serious offence, the Edo Police Command stressed that spreading deliberate falsehoods on matters of public safety carries far-reaching consequences. “Such actions are capable of inciting panic, disrupting public order, and diverting security resources from genuine emergencies,” ASP Ikodem stated.
The Command warned that the security of the state must not be compromised for social media engagement, online relevance, or personal gratification. It reiterated that anyone found culpable of disseminating unverified and alarming information would face the full weight of the law.
ASP Ikodem confirmed that Emmanuella remains in custody and will be charged to court upon conclusion of investigations. The Police said prosecution would be pursued under relevant provisions of Nigerian law, including the Cybercrimes Act, 2015.
The Command urged members of the public to verify information from credible sources before sharing and to avoid using social media to spread falsehoods capable of disturbing public peace. Updates can be obtained from the Command’s official handles: Facebook @Edo State Police Command, X @EdoPoliceNG, and WhatsApp @Edo State Police Command.