The Edo state police command says it has arrested Uzebor Emmanuel, the TikTok user better known as ‘Aza Woman’.
Her arrest stems from allegations that she spread false information regarding the abductions of students at Green Park Academy Aduwawa and Western Boys’ College Ikpoba Hill, Benin City.
Last week, Uzebor posted a video on TikTok, which has since been removed, claiming that a group of students travelling to sit for their junior West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) had been kidnapped.
Reacting in a statement, Eno Ikoedem, the Edo police spokesperson, said the TikToker’s claims are “false and misleading”.
According to the police, the TikToker’s claims also stirred unnecessary fear and public worry, while damaging trust in the state’s security systems.
“Further to the earlier press release issued by the Edo State Police Command regarding the false and misleading report of an alleged kidnapping of students at Green Park Academy Aduwawa and Western Boys’ College Ikpoba Hill, Benin City, the Command wishes to inform the general public that one Uzebor Emmanuel ‘f’, popularly known on social media as “Aza Woman,” has been arrested in connection with the viral publications,” the statement reads.
“Preliminary investigations reveal that the suspect knowingly disseminated false claims in various social media posts alleging that about 6 persons had been kidnapped through various mini transport Buses.
“According to her some purportedly escaped from their abductors, while others paid ransome. These publications generated widespread apprehension, heightened public anxiety, and could undermine public confidence in the security architecture of the state.”
The statement added that “the suspect will be charged in court upon the conclusion of investigations”.
Uzebor’s arrest reflects a broader trend across Nigeria, where law enforcement agencies have been cracking down on social media users who fabricate kidnapping stories.
Last week, a suspect identified as Kowiu Oloyede was arrested for staging and circulating a fake bandit attack video on social media to gain followers.
Oloyede confessed that he staged the attack videos in a bid to be famous like TikToker Peller.
