The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has dismissed viral reports alleging that Nollywood actress Iyabo Ojo was declared wanted by its monitoring unit.
A fake “Wanted Person” bulletin, carrying her photograph and the words “SPECIAL POLICE WANTED”, circulated widely on social media earlier this week.
The poster sparked speculation, with some users linking it to the late singer Mohbad’s case or alleged family disputes.
However, the NPF clarified on Thursday that the notice did not originate from the Force and should be disregarded.
In a statement shared on its official X account, the police said:
“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.”
The statement added that the notice was “false, misleading, and not issued by the Force,” stressing the importance of verifying information through official channels.
The police also appealed to Nigerians to be cautious about misinformation and avoid spreading unverified claims online.
“The Nigeria Police Force urges members of the public to verify information through official channels and be cautious of misinformation,” the statement noted.
Meanwhile, social media reactions to the viral poster were swift, with fans of the actress expressing outrage over the attempt to malign her reputation.
Many described the circulation of the bulletin as a deliberate effort to stir unnecessary controversy.
The incident highlights growing concerns about fake news and its impact on public trust.
False reports about celebrities, political figures, and even government institutions often gain traction on social platforms before being debunked.
Moreover, with the increasing use of digital platforms as primary news sources, misleading graphics and forged documents can easily misinform millions within hours.
This makes official clarifications, like the one issued in Iyabo Ojo’s case, crucial in setting the record straight.
As of Thursday afternoon, Iyabo Ojo herself had yet to release a formal statement on the controversy.
