The police command in Lagos State on Wednesday dismissed the viral video making the rounds on social media that three alleged kidnappers were caught in Lagos.

The command’s spokesperson, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, in a statement in Lagos, said that the video was false, misleading and malicious.

Hundeyin said that the video was meant to cause fear and apprehension in the hearts of residents.

Earlier, a video was shared by some X users claiming that three kidnappers were caught and beaten by a mob for attempting to kidnap people at Victory Estate, Ago Okota area of the state.

Hundeyin said that the state commissioner of police, CP Moshood Jimoh, held a meeting in response to the viral video wherein some yet-to-be-identified persons were seen beating and humiliating three men for being suspected kidnappers.

“CP Jimoh held a fact-finding meeting on Wednesday with the chairman, chief security officer, two other residents of Victory Estate and one of the men alleged in the video.

“After an extensive interview, it has been undisputedly proven that the three men in the video are not kidnappers and there was no kidnapping incident at the Estate.

“The chairman of the estate association told the commissioner of police that the people are not kidnappers.

“Also, the chief security officer and another security committee member equally told the commissioner of police that the three men were not kidnappers and that there was no kidnapping incident at the estate as falsely spread in the social media,” he said.

Hundeyin said further, “The men had indeed gone to see their friend (who was also present at the CP’s meeting) at the estate at about 10.00 p.m. on Monday.

“An altercation between the three men and a tricycle rider degenerated into pandemonium and confusion in the estate at that time.”

Hundeyin urged Lagos residents to be cautious and verify news items before sharing them to avoid spreading panic and fear in the minds of the good people of the state.

“Unverified information can cause a threat to peace or lead to loss of life. People are implored not to take laws into their hands,” the image maker said.

He encouraged the public to go about their lawful businesses without fear of harassment or intimidation and to be assured that the police were fully present to guarantee their safety and security.