Edo police begin manhunt for blogger, “Azawoman,” over fake kidnap report

Benin – The police command in Edo has commenced steps to apprehend a blogger, known as ‘Azawoman’ for allegedly originating a false report that students of Green Park Academy in Benin were kidnapped.

The command said that the fake report originator is wanted for questioning and possible prosecution in accordance with extant laws.

The command’s Public Relations Officer, ASP Eno Ikoedem, said this in a statement in Benin, describing the report as false and very misleading.

Recall that the kidnapping claim emerged from a viral social media video by a woman popularly known as “Azawoman,” who alleged that students of Green Park Academy, Aduwawa, Benin City were abducted while returning from their Junior Secondary School Certificate Examination.

The claim quickly gained traction online, triggering anxiety among parents and residents.

Ikoedem said investigations showed that no kidnapping incident occurred at the school, describing the report as a deliberate attempt to mislead the general public and create panic.

According to her, the allegation was propagated on social media by a woman popularly known as “Azawoman”.

“Following a thorough verification and preliminary investigation by the command, it has been established that no kidnapping incident occurred at the school as alleged.

“Findings reveal that the report is entirely false, lacks any factual basis, and was deliberately disseminated to misinform the public and create unwarranted panic within the state,” she said.

The police public relations officer condemned what it described as the reckless spread of false information capable of undermining public confidence and diverting attention from genuine security concerns.

She warned that the dissemination of fake security alerts constituted a threat to public order and would not be tolerated.

“Consequently, the command has commenced steps to apprehend the originator of the false report for questioning and possible prosecution in accordance with extant laws,” she stated.

She quoted the Commissioner of Police, Monday Agbonika, as reassuring residents that the security situation in Edo remained under control.

Agbonika urged members of the public to verify information through credible and official channels before sharing it on social media.

The PPRO also urged residents to continue supporting security agencies with credible information to sustain peace, security and public order across the state.