The Edo State Police Command has vowed to prosecute 52-year-old Oseghale Okoershim for allegedly making false accusations against the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Ugboha Division.
Okoershim had alleged in a viral video that the DPO collaborated with kidnappers who were disguised as hunters to abduct residents of Ugboha and neighbouring communities. His claims followed the arrest of several individuals in a forest between Ugboha and Amedokhian.
Police spokesperson Eno Ikoedem said the apprehended individuals, Shaibu Haruna, Nura Bada and Inua Husseini, are registered hunters with the Nigeria Hunters Association and had formally informed the Ugboha Division of their activities before entering the bush on January 30, 2026.
Ikoedem stated that the suspects were legitimate hunters and not kidnappers, describing Okoershim’s allegations as false and malicious.
“During the encounter that led to the viral recording, Shaibu Haruna and his colleagues, who only understand the Hausa language, attempted to explain that they were hunters who had duly informed the Ugboha Division before entering the bush,” she said.
“Shaibu reportedly presented his identity card as a registered hunter; however, those confronting them refused to examine it. He also attempted to show them the DPO’s phone number, which he had collected upon reporting at the Division days earlier, but this was equally disregarded.
“Several members of the Amedokhian community testified that they have known Shaibu Haruna for years as a legitimate hunter whom they have patronized on multiple occasions.
“The video was recorded by Oseghale Okoershim, who alleged that the DPO of Ugboha Division brought the men from the North for kidnapping activities. Findings indicate that this allegation is false and malicious.
“During interrogation, Mr. Okoershim made a confessional statement, admitting that he recorded and shared the video. The Command notes that the content of the video was misleading, defamatory, and capable of causing public panic.
“The Command assures the public that whoever is found culpable at the conclusion of investigations will be arraigned before the court in accordance with the law. Members of the public are advised to verify information through appropriate authorities and refrain from spreading unverified content capable of inciting panic, ethnic tension, or unrest.”
The police said investigations are ongoing.
