Police Dismiss Viral Fake Bulletin Claiming Nollywood Star Iyabo Ojo is Wanted

The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has dismissed a viral “Wanted Person” bulletin alleging that popular Nollywood actress Iyabo Ojo, also known as Queen Mother, was declared wanted by the Office of the Inspector-General of Police Monitoring Unit.

In a statement released on Thursday through its official X (formerly Twitter) handle, the Force clarified that the publication did not originate from the police and should be completely disregarded by members of the public. The police described the document as fake, warning against the dangers of misinformation in an era of rapid social media dissemination.

According to the statement, the Force has already commenced investigations to trace the source of the forged bulletin, stressing that those responsible will be identified and brought to justice.

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Police Debunk “Wanted” Report

The statement firmly stated that no department of the Nigeria Police issued such a bulletin against Iyabo Ojo and urged Nigerians to avoid spreading unverified information.

“The Nigeria Police Force wishes to state unequivocally that the viral publication circulating on social media, alleging that actress Iyabo Ojo has been declared wanted by the IGP Monitoring Unit, is fake and did not emanate from the Force. The public is advised to disregard this falsehood,” the Force said.

It further appealed to journalists, bloggers, and social media users to verify information through official police platforms before publishing or sharing.

Public Urged to Rely on Verified Sources

The NPF noted that misinformation, particularly when circulated unchecked on social media, poses significant dangers to individuals’ reputations and public trust in security institutions.

“The spread of misinformation is not only damaging to the person concerned but also undermines public confidence in law enforcement agencies. We urge the media and the general public to rely solely on verified information disseminated through official police communication channels,” the statement added.

The Force assured that it is committed to transparency and credibility in its operations, pledging to provide timely updates as investigations progress.

Iyabo Ojo Silent Amid Viral Rumors

As of press time, Iyabo Ojo has not publicly reacted to the fake bulletin. The actress, widely known for her stellar performances in Nollywood films and her strong social media presence, has often been in the spotlight both for her career achievements and her outspoken views on social issues.

The false bulletin, which quickly circulated across various social media platforms, sparked confusion among fans and Nigerians at large, prompting the police to issue the clarification.

Fighting the Spread of Fake News

The incident once again highlights the challenges posed by the spread of fake news in Nigeria’s digital space. Experts note that the rapid circulation of false reports not only damages individual reputations but also creates unnecessary tension in society.

The Nigeria Police Force stressed that deliberate attempts to spread misinformation or impersonate official law enforcement communications will not go unpunished. According to the statement, cybercrime and forgery of official documents remain serious offenses under Nigerian law, and culprits will face prosecution.

Broader Implications for Public Trust

Security analysts have pointed out that such incidents, if unchecked, could undermine public trust in institutions, especially when fake documents appear convincing to the untrained eye. The police have, therefore, pledged to strengthen their communication systems to ensure that Nigerians can easily differentiate between authentic and fake releases.

The NPF also reminded the public that all official announcements are disseminated through its verified platforms, including its official website and social media handles.

Nollywood Community Reacts

While Iyabo Ojo herself has remained silent, some Nollywood colleagues and fans have taken to social media to express concern and solidarity. Many described the publication as a malicious attempt to tarnish her image.

Industry insiders note that Iyabo Ojo has built a reputation not only as an actress but also as a filmmaker, entrepreneur, and philanthropist. Her fan base, which spans millions across Nigeria and beyond, has been quick to dismiss the bulletin as fraudulent following the police statement.

As investigations continue, the Nigeria Police has assured the public that those responsible for fabricating and circulating the document will be held accountable. The Force reiterated its determination to combat fake news and misinformation, urging Nigerians to exercise caution before sharing viral posts.

For now, the dismissal of the fake bulletin by the police has restored calm, though it also serves as a reminder of the urgent need to tackle the spread of misinformation in the country’s digital landscape.

With Iyabo Ojo yet to issue a personal response, the focus now rests on the outcome of the police investigation into the source of the fake publication and the measures that will be put in place to prevent similar occurrences in the future.