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Social media is constantly buzzing with stories that spread in seconds, making it increasingly difficult to tell what is true and what is not.
This week, we examined major stories that grabbed public attention, from a viral NPP-police clash video falsely linked to anti-Igbo protests in Ghana to a misleading claim about July 9, 2025, Earth’s shortest day.
Here is a summary of our findings on these claims.
- Ghanaians protest the installation of an Igbo monarch
A viral video on X shows Ghanaian youths protesting the installation of a new Igbo monarch and stirring conversations about ethnic tensions.
The clip, which garnered over 1.8 million views, revealed unrest linked to the Igbo community.
However, DUBAWA’s investigation revealed that the claim is misleading. Footage shows a clash between supporters of Ghana’s New Patriotic Party (NPP) and the police at the National Investigation Bureau in Accra, following the arrest of an NPP official.
Ghanaian media outlets such as TV3 and 3FM also reported the video, mentioning that it was an NPP protest, not any Igbo-related controversy. Read more here.
- Lawmaker claims Benue is Nigeria’s fifth most populous state
A Nigerian lawmaker claims Benue is the fifth most populous state in Nigeria.
The statement, made during a plenary session, quickly circulated across social media platforms, with some using it to emphasise the state’s relevance in national planning and resource allocation.
However, DUBAWA’s fact-check revealed the claim to be inaccurate. Data from the 2006 national census shows Benue ranked ninth in population size with just over 4.2 million residents. Even with projected growth figures, more recent estimates for 2025 place Benue’s population at around 6.6 million, which still falls outside Nigeria’s top five most populous states.
Click here for more.
- CDC Youth chairperson arrested with gun during protest
A claim circulated widely on social media after a Facebook page called Rescue Liberia alleged that Emmanuel Johnson, the Congress for Democratic Change (CDC) Youth League Chairperson, was arrested with a gun during the July 17, 2025, “We the People” protest organised by STAND (Solidarity and Trust for a New Day)
The post quickly attracted attention and sparked debate about potential security threats linked to the demonstration.
However, DUBAWA’s fact-checking found no evidence to support this claim. There are no credible reports from Liberian media or official statements indicating Johnson was ever arrested or in possession of a gun during the demonstration.
Read more here.
- Tarawally Stepped Down as Parliament’s Clerk
A widely circulated social media claim asserted that Paran Tarawally, Sierra Leone’s Clerk of Parliament, had officially resigned.
The claim gained traction across social platforms, especially amid ongoing political tensions in the country.
However, DUBAWA’s investigation showed the claim is false. Tarawally has not resigned but was placed on administrative leave by the Parliamentary Service Commission. The decision followed a petition from the opposition, citing conflict of interest concerns after Tarawally reportedly expressed interest in a ruling party position. Despite his leave status, no formal resignation or removal has been confirmed.
Click here for more.
- July 9, 2025, Earth’s shortest day
Some Facebook users claimed that July 9, 2025, was Earth’s shortest day due to the moon’s position, sparking widespread reactions and confusion online.
One post gained over 193,000 reactions, 20,000 comments, and 80,000 shares, but many users doubted its accuracy.
DUBAWA’s investigation found that while Earth did rotate slightly faster that day by about 1.37 milliseconds, it was not the shortest day ever recorded. According to official records, July 5, 2024, is still the shortest, with a 1.66-millisecond reduction.
Read more here.
