Nigerian Police Force Debunks Viral Report Declaring Actress Iyabo Ojo Wanted

The Nigeria Police Force has come forward with an urgent clarification regarding a viral publication alleging that Nollywood actress Iyabo Ojo has been declared wanted by the Office of the Inspector General of Police Monitoring Unit. In a swift rebuttal issued through its official social media handle, @PoliceNG, the Force stated emphatically that the so-called gazette bulletin in circulation is fake and not an authorized communication from the institution. The statement, signed under the directive of the Force’s Public Relations arm, warned Nigerians against falling victim to misinformation campaigns designed to mislead and create panic.

The controversy began when a bulletin-style image surfaced online with inscriptions suggesting that Iyabo Ojo was wanted for police-related investigations, allegedly linked to the IGP Monitoring Unit. The image, which carried the words “WANTED” boldly written across a supposed police document, quickly spread across different platforms, drawing the attention of the public and sparking debates. In the era of social media where sensational news thrives, it did not take long before blogs, WhatsApp groups, and Twitter threads amplified the story, leaving many fans of the actress stunned.

However, the Nigeria Police Force has categorically debunked the claims, insisting that no such directive was issued from its office. The Force emphasized that the public must be cautious in believing and sharing unverified reports, as such fabrications are increasingly becoming tools of disinformation in the digital age. The statement reads: “The Nigeria Police Force wishes to clarify that the recent Wanted Person Bulletin circulating about stating that the Nollywood Actress, Iyabo Ojo is wanted by the Office of the IGP Monitoring Unit is NOT an official communication from the Force. Members of the public are urged to verify information through official channels and be cautious of misinformation.”

For Iyabo Ojo, a prominent figure in Nollywood known for her versatility and outspoken personality, the fake notice comes as a shocking turn of events. The actress, who has built a reputation not only as a screen star but also as a social commentator on issues affecting society, has often found herself in the spotlight—sometimes for her professional contributions and at other times for her bold stances on controversial matters. This latest saga highlights the risks public figures face in an era where digital manipulation and fake news can be weaponized to tarnish reputations.

The forged bulletin, which bore the official insignia of the Force, was crafted to appear authentic, but experts and observers quickly pointed out discrepancies in its design and language. Misspellings, awkward sentence construction, and poorly formatted details raised red flags for those who scrutinized it closely. Nonetheless, the power of virality meant that many Nigerians did not pause to verify before circulating the material further. This is precisely the danger the Nigeria Police Force sought to address in its announcement, warning citizens to confirm such sensitive information through its verified platforms before drawing conclusions.

Iyabo Ojo’s supporters have since flooded social media with messages of solidarity, condemning those behind the fake publication. Many expressed outrage at the attempt to drag her name into disrepute, calling for a thorough investigation into the source of the forged bulletin. The actress herself has not released an official statement in response, but those close to her circles suggest she is unshaken by the development and trusts the Force to deal with the situation appropriately.

The incident also raises broader concerns about the increasing prevalence of fake police notices and fraudulent documents circulating online in Nigeria. In recent years, there have been multiple reports of scammers producing falsified letters, warrants, and bulletins allegedly from government institutions, using them to intimidate, extort, or discredit individuals. The Iyabo Ojo case has once again brought the conversation to the fore, sparking calls for stricter cyber-monitoring and accountability mechanisms to trace the originators of such disinformation campaigns.

In Nigeria’s entertainment industry, where celebrities already battle with rumors, fabricated scandals, and public scrutiny, the emergence of fake police bulletins adds another layer of vulnerability. Industry analysts argue that while gossip and speculation have always been part of celebrity culture, the deliberate use of forged government communications is a new and disturbing trend that must be curtailed before it undermines trust in legitimate institutions. When fake notices like this circulate unchecked, they do not only harm the image of the individuals involved but also erode public confidence in the authenticity of real police communications.

The Nigeria Police Force’s swift response in this instance has been praised by observers as a necessary step in controlling the narrative and ensuring the truth is known. By using its verified social media accounts, the Force was able to reach a wide audience in record time, countering the spread of misinformation. This underscores the growing importance of digital presence for public institutions in today’s information age, where official statements must move as fast as, if not faster than, fake news in order to remain effective.

As Nigerians continue to debate the origins and intentions behind the fake Iyabo Ojo bulletin, questions remain as to who might have crafted the document and what their motives were. Was it an attempt to blackmail the actress, a smear campaign to damage her credibility, or simply another reckless prank gone too far? The answers may only come if the authorities decide to investigate the matter in depth, tracing the channels through which the fake bulletin was first distributed.

For now, the key message from the Nigeria Police Force is one of vigilance. Citizens are urged to treat suspicious materials with caution, seek confirmation from credible sources, and avoid contributing to the spread of unverified information. In a country where tensions can escalate quickly, the role of responsible information-sharing cannot be overstated. As the Iyabo Ojo case demonstrates, one forged document can trigger a wave of speculation, fear, and reputational damage that may take time to undo.

Iyabo Ojo remains a beloved actress, entrepreneur, and mother who has inspired millions with her resilience and creativity in Nollywood. The fake wanted notice, though disturbing, appears unlikely to derail her career or diminish her influence. If anything, the overwhelming support she has received from fans and the quick intervention of the police have only strengthened the perception that she is a victim of malicious falsehood rather than wrongdoing.

Ultimately, this incident serves as a cautionary tale about the power of fake news in the digital age. It reminds Nigerians that the responsibility of safeguarding truth does not lie with institutions alone but also with individuals who choose what to believe and what to share. In the case of Iyabo Ojo, the truth has prevailed, but it is a stark reminder that vigilance must remain constant to prevent the spread of lies that can damage both lives and institutions.