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As misinformation continues to influence public discussion online, DUBAWA intensifies its work to hold together the shrinking integrity of information.
In the third week of September, DUBAWA fact-checked several assertions on various issues in Nigeria, Liberia, and Cameroon.
- Adding lemon to pads can prevent infection
Although treatable and common, vaginal infections continue to affect the health of thousands of young women in Nigeria, with many suffering in silence due to a lack of awareness and stigma.
Amidst the saga, a Facebook post asserted that adding lemon and sugar to a sanitary pad before use will prevent infection.
Meanwhile, DUBAWA’s research shows that the assertion paints a misleading narrative. We spoke to medical experts who described the practice as unsafe, while reviewed studies show that lemon juice is highly acidic and can actually damage vaginal cells. Find full details here.
- Nigerian government removes pocket from police dress to curb bribery
It is common to witness bribery on Nigerian roads, especially at checkpoints by the country’s security forces. Drivers slip folded notes through car windows while officers wave them with glee.
In response, a Facebook user claimed that the Federal Government (FG) has decided to remove pockets from police officers’ uniforms to curtail this immoral practice.
Our investigation, however, revealed that no credible media reported such an important development. Also, the Nigerian Police Force and the Police Service Commission have not communicated officially about such a directive.
Find more details here.
- Singer Akon’s music banned in Sierra Leone for unfulfilled promise
In Sierra Leone, a claim circulating on social media alleged that the country’s citizens have banned the songs of the popular entertainer Akon until he delivers the 50,000 solar units that were earlier promised.
Our researcher contacted the nation’s entertainment ambassador, Kao Denero, who denied knowledge of such information.
This and other evidence from our findings show that the claim Sierra Leone has banned Akon’s music until he delivers 50,000 solar units is untrue. Read the full report here.
- Footage shows Pope Francis with unusual hands
Until his passing in 2025, Pope Francis was the head of the Catholic Church and the sovereign of the Vatican City State. He was the first Jesuit pope, the first Latin American pope, and the first born or raised outside Europe since the 8th-century Syrian pope Gregory III.
In light of this, a claim started circulating on X recently showing the clergyman with three hands.
DUBAWA investigated the claim. We conducted a keyword search but found no supporting information. Then we subjected the footage to a deeper analysis, which confirmed that it was digitally generated using artificial intelligence (AI).
- Banana peel, lemon, salt, and toothpaste mixture whiten the teeth
A popular blog on Facebook, Healthy Tips, posted a video claiming that a combination of banana peel, lemon juice, salt, and toothpaste can whiten teeth.
DUBAWA found that although banana peels contain some minerals that some believe might whiten teeth, this has no scientific backing. In fact, a study established that banana peels had no significant whitening effect on animal teeth; some samples showed slight yellowing.
Additionally, dental experts opined that the mixture is not an effective whitening method and may harm oral health. Read the full story here.
