The Edo State Police Command has arrested Benin-based TikTok creator, Osarobo Omoyemen, popularly known as Madam Oil Rice, for allegedly faking her own kidnap to gain social media attention.
The 24-year-old was arrested on Tuesday morning. According to police reports, she confessed during interrogation that the entire incident was staged to boost engagement on her TikTok page.
Police PRO, CPS Moses Yamu, issued a statement warning members of the public against spreading false information capable of causing panic or undermining security operations in the state.
According to the statement, Madam Oil Rice had earlier posted a video claiming she was abducted along Upper Sakponba Road in Benin City. She went on to allege that she was “rescued” by officers who detained her at Akpata Police Station and demanded ₦10,000 (approximately GHS 75) for her release.
The Command immediately launched an investigation, and detectives later confirmed that the story was fabricated.
Police further revealed that the suspect admitted she staged the incident purely to create content and attract more followers. Investigators also traced an earlier deleted video where an accomplice in the background pleaded with viewers to follow her page, revealing the motive behind the false alarm.
The police condemned the act, saying it was capable of misleading the public, inciting hostility against security agencies, and creating unnecessary tension in the state.
