|
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...
|
From a manipulated video falsely showing Peter Obi promoting a get-rich-quick scheme to misleading claims about free medical funding and fabricated football stories, misinformation continues to spread.
DUBAWA tracked several viral claims that attracted thousands of views and engagements, revealing how scammers, content creators, and social media users increasingly exploit politics, health concerns, and celebrity popularity to drive engagement.
Here are some of the major claims we investigated.
- Peter Obi advertises investment scheme
A Facebook page circulated a video showing former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi encouraging Nigerians to invest ₦350,000 in exchange for ₦4.5 million within a month.
The offer appeared attractive amid Nigeria’s economic challenges, but DUBAWA found that the video had been manipulated.
Our investigation traced the footage to an original Channels Television interview in which Obi never mentioned any investment platform. The altered version inserted a fake endorsement to give credibility to the scheme.
Read the complete report here.
- Manchester United’s Kobbie married with child
Social media users circulated claims that Manchester United midfielder Kobbie Mainoo is a husband and father at just 19 years old.
The claim gained attention because of Mainoo’s growing profile in English football.
However, DUBAWA found no evidence supporting the story. The child featured in the viral posts is the son of Mainoo’s sister, Ama.
Read more about our findings.
- Toothpaste clears wrinkles
A Facebook user claimed that toothpaste could remove facial wrinkles. While the claim may appear harmless, experts warned that applying toothpaste to the skin can cause irritation, dryness, burns, and allergic reactions.
DUBAWA reviewed available scientific evidence and consulted medical professionals. We found no research supporting toothpaste as an anti-ageing treatment.
Read more about our investigation here.
- Access Bank offering free IVF and fibroid surgery
Another widely shared claim suggested that Access Bank was offering free financial support for IVF treatment and fibroid surgeries.
The claim resonated with many Nigerians because of the high cost of healthcare services.
DUBAWA found that Access Bank does operate a medical financing programme, but the support comes in the form of repayable loans, not grants or free assistance.
By omitting the repayment requirement, the viral posts created a misleading impression of the programme.
- Barcelona defender, Gerard named best La Liga defender
A viral Facebook post claimed that Barcelona defender Gerard Martín had been named the best defender in La Liga.
However, DUBAWA found no evidence supporting the assertion. Neither La Liga nor Barcelona announced such an award, and the league had not even released nominations for the season’s honours.
Find out more from our report here.
