Fake News Alert: No Kwara Monarchs Arrested Over N120m Banditry Loot

Claim:

A viral post on Facebook and other social media platforms alleged that the Kwara State Police Command arrested the “King of Alabe” and his Queen after discovering N120 million linked to banditry in their custody. The post further claimed that the “King of Babanla” and his wives were also apprehended.
An infographic showing four individuals in traditional attire accompanied the caption: “Kwara Scandal: Monarchs Nabbed Over N120m Banditry Loot.” According to the post, N90 million was recovered from the King of Alabe’s palace, while N30 million was traced to his Queen’s account.
The story, which triggered mixed reactions online, has been widely shared, with some users praising the supposed arrests as proof that “no one is above the law.”

Verification:
PRNigeria’s fact-check team investigated the viral claim.

• Social Media Analysis: The post first surfaced on Facebook on August 29, 2025, before spreading to X (formerly Twitter), where it recorded over 274,000 views. On Facebook, it attracted hundreds of likes, comments, and shares.
• Image Forensics: A reverse image search showed the “monarchs” in the infographic are AI-generated images. The individuals appear in staged poses against identical backgrounds, with no evidence of a real police operation.
• Police Record Check: The Kwara State Police Command has no record of such arrests. When contacted, the Command’s spokesperson, SP Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, dismissed the report, stating:
  

  “I don’t know where this information came from. Taking into custody? Definitely not by Kwara Police Command. I doubt the authenticity of the story.”

• Traditional Rulership Verification:
  • There is no title known as ‘King of Alabe’ in Kwara’s recognized hierarchy of traditional rulers, although Alabe exists as a locality.
  • The Oba of Babanla, Oba Aliyu Adegboyega Yusuf Arojojoye II, is indeed a recognized ruler. However, there is no evidence linking him to banditry. On the contrary, reports show he has been working with the state government and security agencies to tackle insecurity in his domain.
• Financial Claim: While ransom monies have occasionally been recovered during security operations, the figure of N120 million is entirely unfounded. The largest confirmed recovery in recent months was N11.3 million in July 2025, far below the viral claim.
• Media Coverage: No credible news outlet or government agency has reported any such arrests.

Conclusion:
The viral report alleging that the King of Alabe and his Queen were arrested with N120 million and that the King of Babanla and his wives were taken into custody is false.

• The title “King of Alabe” does not exist.
• The images are AI-generated.
• The police have denied making any such arrests.
• There is no credible evidence to support the claim.

Verdict: ? FALSE – The report is fabricated.

© PRNigeria