Claim: Screenshot of a ‘breaking news’ headline has claimed that President Buhari is set to intervene if Russia refuses to back down on Ukraine.
The framed screenshot with the claim that President Buhari would intervene if Russia refuses to back down on Ukraine is fake. The screenshot was created using an online tool called breakyourownnews. This claim is false.
Full Text
The Russian /Ukrainian tension is now a popular discourse amongst Nigerians. Recently, a screenshot of breaking news has a claim that President Muhammadu Buhari of Nigeria is set to intervene if Russia refuses to step down from her assault on Ukraine.
The screenshot of breaking news which contains the picture of President Buhari has been making the rounds on social media platforms.
Even more, some users who had come across the screenshot seem to believe that Nigeria is already taking a side on the matter. One user, who forwarded the picture on a WhatsApp group, wrote: “I am glad that Nigeria is supporting Ukraine, at least Buhari is taking a favorable stance here.”
Others who saw the image also shared similar comments, with little or no iota of doubt about the originality of the screenshot.
This is not the first time DUBAWA has debunked a similar screenshot that shares unconfirmed narratives.
Verification
As convincing as the claim appears to be, DUBAWA uncovers that no media outlet published or reported on the matter.
Other findings show the screenshot was created with an online tool called ‘break your own news.’ The tool allows users to create all sorts of news headlines and captions, alongside any kind of supporting image they deem fit.
There is a disclaimer on the website that says: “This app is intended for fun, humour and parody – be careful what you make and how it may be shared. You should avoid making things which are unlawful, defamatory or likely to cause distress. Have fun and be kind!”
The case, however, appears to be the opposite of this disclaimer, as users are now using it to fabricate unfounded headlines that are misleading the unsuspecting members of the public.
When DUBAWA forged a headline on the tool, the result was exactly as the alleged screenshot.
A typical screenshot created by DUBAWA on the tool
Disclaimer: this screenshot was only created by DUBAWA for the purpose of this investigation. Readers should neither take it seriously nor try to create other versions.
Conclusion
President Buhari is yet to make a statement as regards the ongoing tensions between Russia and Ukraine. The alleged screenshot was merely used to share a simulated narrative. This claim is false.
