The Edo State Police Command has vowed to prosecute 52-year-old Oseghale Okoershim for falsely accusing the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Ugboha Division of collaborating with kidnappers to abduct residents of Ugboha and surrounding areas.

Okoershim’s claims followed the arrest of several individuals inside the forest between Ugboha and Amedokhian. In a viral video, he alleged that the DPO had brought kidnappers disguised as hunters.

Spokesperson for the Edo Police Command, Eno Ikoedem, clarified that the apprehended individuals—Shaibu Haruna, Nura Bada, and Inua Husseini—are registered hunters with the Nigeria Hunters Association. They had informed the DPO of their presence in the area and obtained his contact information on January 30, 2026, before entering the bush for hunting.

Ikoedem emphasized that the arrested persons were legitimate hunters, not kidnappers, and that Okoershim’s accusations were unfounded.

“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.

“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 Nation)

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