The man claimed he had murdered 32 victims and further alleged that the police were aware of his activities but had released him.
By Ife Osemedua
365Daily – The Oyo State Police Command has launched an investigation into a viral video in which a man identified as Shawama allegedly claimed responsibility for killing 32 people in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.
The command’s spokesperson, Olayinka Ayanlade, disclosed this in a statement issued on Tuesday, noting that preliminary checks showed no official record of the suspect ever being arrested by any police formation in the state.
An undated video circulating on social media shows the suspect being questioned in Yoruba about the number of people he had allegedly killed. In response, the man claimed he had murdered 32 victims and further alleged that the police were aware of his activities but had released him.
Reacting, the police described the claim as unverified, stressing that it was taking the matter seriously in view of public concern.
“The Oyo State Police Command has obtained a video in which an individual identified as Shawama, in the company of others, claims to have killed 32 people. The Command wishes to categorically state that there is no record of such an individual having been arrested by our operatives at any point,” the statement said.
Ayanlade added that the command had commenced a “thorough investigation” into both the claims and the circumstances surrounding the video, deploying digital forensics and other technological tools to establish the authenticity of the confession and track those involved.
Security analysts have repeatedly warned that viral “confession” videos, often circulated without context, can be misleading or staged, underscoring the need for careful verification by law enforcement agencies before drawing conclusions.
The latest development comes amid heightened concerns over violent crimes in parts of Ibadan and other urban centres in Nigeria, including incidents linked to cult clashes, armed robbery and gang-related killings. Data from the Nigeria Police Force and civil society trackers indicate that while Oyo remains relatively stable compared to some conflict-prone regions, periodic spikes in criminal activity have continued to draw public attention.
The police spokesperson said investigators are also analysing the digital footprint of the suspect and others seen in the video as part of efforts to identify and apprehend them.
He appealed to members of the public with useful information to assist the investigation, assuring that updates would be provided as findings emerge.
“The command further appeals to members of the public with information that can lead to the identification and arrest of Shawama or his accomplices to come forward and assist law enforcement in bringing them to justice,” the statement added.
Authorities have also cautioned against the spread of unverified claims capable of inciting panic, reiterating their commitment to ensuring the safety of residents and maintaining law and order in the state.