The Oyo State Police Command has debunked reports claiming that a pastor was arrested over his alleged link to the Orire kidnap case.
The pastor was accused for allegedly supplying arms and ammunition to those behind the abduction of students and teachers in Orire.
This was contained in a statement issued by the Police Command on Saturday.
The Command described the publication as false and misleading.
“The Command wishes to categorically state that this claim is entirely false, misleading, and unfounded.”
In the statement, the Command said the reports, which circulated across some media outlets, online platforms, and social media, falsely alleged that the cleric was arrested for acting as a gun runner for the kidnappers.
The police clarified that the Facebook post did not mention the pastor’s name or address, adding that no such arrest had been made by the Command or any other security agency involved in the ongoing rescue operation.
“However, the Command wishes to state that no such arrest has been made by the Police or any other known security agency involved in the ongoing rescue operation”, it said.
According to the police, investigations into the abduction are still ongoing, while efforts to rescue the victims continue.
The Command said the publication appeared to be a deliberate attempt to distract security operatives from ongoing rescue efforts and undermine the professionalism and commitment of officers involved in the operation.
It urged members of the public to disregard the report and rely only on official updates released through the verified channels of the Oyo State Police Command.
The police also warned individuals and platforms against spreading false information, stressing that anyone found responsible for disseminating misinformation capable of undermining public confidence or ongoing security operations would be investigated and prosecuted.
The Command reaffirmed its commitment to securing the safe rescue of the abducted students and teachers while maintaining public safety across Oyo State.