…Says the suspect is mentally unstable
The Osun State Police Command has dismissed viral social media reports alleging the arrest of bandits in parts of the state, describing the claims as misleading and inaccurate. In a statement issued on Monday June 8, 2026, the Command clarified that the individuals featured in the widely circulated videos were not bandits but persons suspected to be suffering from mental health disorders, whose cases are currently under investigation.
According to the police, the first incident occurred on June 3, 2026, along the Lameco–Oke Fia Road in Osogbo, where a man was apprehended by members of the public on suspicion of being a bandit. He was subsequently taken to the Osogbo Area Command for questioning. Preliminary investigations led to the recovery of a knife, an army camouflage trouser, local charms, and some clothing materials. However, officers observed signs of mental instability, prompting the transfer of the case to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) for further investigation.
The Command also addressed a similar incident that occurred in Gbongan on June 5, 2026. A viral video had claimed that residents apprehended a suspected bandit in the town. Police investigations, however, revealed that the individual was a mentally challenged person found in possession of a fabricated wooden rifle and several bullet-shaped objects. He was taken into custody at the Gbongan Divisional Headquarters before the matter was transferred to the SCID. Recovered exhibits included the wooden gun and a white bag containing the objects mistaken for ammunition.
The Police Command urged residents to disregard the misleading videos and avoid spreading unverified information capable of causing unnecessary panic. It stressed that ongoing investigations have so far indicated that the suspects were not bandits but individuals displaying signs of mental disorder. Reaffirming its commitment to safeguarding lives and property across the state, the Command encouraged members of the public to continue providing credible information to security agencies through its emergency lines whenever they observe suspicious activities.
Full Text Below
PRESS RELEASE
OSUN STATE POLICE COMMAND CLARIFIES VIRAL VIDEOS ON ALLEGED ARREST OF BANDITS IN PARTS OF THE STATE
Date: June 8, 2026
Ref: AZ: 5650/OSS/PPRD/VOL.11/200
The Command wishes to clarify misleading videos circulating on social media regarding alleged arrest of suspected bandits in parts of Osun State.
OSOGBO INCIDENT – JUNE 3, 2026
A man alleged by the public to be a suspected bandit was arrested along Lameco–Oke Fia Rd, Osogbo. He was taken to Osogbo Area Command for investigation.
Preliminary investigation led to recovery of a knife, army camouflage trouser, local charms and clothing materials. The suspect showed signs of mental instability. Case was transferred to SCID for thorough investigation.
GBONGAN INCIDENT – JUNE 5, 2026
A viral video claimed a man arrested by locals in Gbongan was a bandit. In reality, the man was a lunatic with a fabricated rifle and bullet-shaped objects. He was taken to Gbongan Divisional HQ.
Recovered items: wooden gun and white bag with bullet-shaped items. Suspect showed signs of mental disorder. Case transferred to SCID for investigation.
The Command urges the public to disregard misleading videos. Persons with mental disorders are being mistaken for bandits. We remain committed to protecting lives and property. For information, call 08039537995 or 08123823981.
DSP ABIODUN OJELABI
POLICE PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICER
FOR: COMMISSIONER OF POLICE OSUN STATE COMMAND, OSOGBO
JUNE 8, 2026
