Round-up: Rivers State, Inibehe Okon, Natasha, other trending matters generating false claims during the week

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Phillip Anjorin

For the latest edition of DUBAWA’s weekly round-up, we covered controversial issues that went viral in the Nigerian Senate and Rivers State. We also went beyond Nigeria’s borders to provide context to issues of interest to the public. Here are some of the claims we fact-checked:

1. Wike invading Fubara’s private residence?

Agodi Comedy, a Facebook user, claimed that a video he shared showed security agencies sent by Nyesom Wike, the FCT Minister, invading the private residence of Rivers State governor Siminalayi Fubara. The post, which garnered significant attention, alleged a direct political assault. 

However, our fact-check revealed that the footage was not from Fubara’s residence but depicted a scuffle at the PDP’s national headquarters in Abuja on Jan. 29, 2025. The incident involved factions led by Sunday Ude-Okoye and Samuel Anyanwu during a dispute over access to a Board of Trustees meeting. 

This event occurred months before Fubara’s suspension and was unrelated to the political crisis in Rivers State. A reverse image search and verification of the video’s source debunked the claim. Read more of the fact-check here.

2. Unravelling myth behind blood-red rivers 

Argentina’s Sarandí Stream shockingly turned crimson red in February 2025, sparking apocalyptic claims and viral speculation. While some linked the phenomenon to biblical prophecies, authorities attributed the discolouration to suspected industrial pollution, likely from chemicals like aniline in nearby factories. Residents revealed a history of neglect, reporting unusual stream colours since the 1990s. The Ministry of the Environment collected water samples for analysis. 

In this explainer, we identified similar events, such as the Daldykan River in Russia and the Yangtze River in China, that were tied to pollution rather than supernatural causes. We also identified the possibility of algae blooms being the cause of such phenomena.

3. $2 billion power plant claim is premature 

A claim about Adedeji Adeleke, father of popular singer Davido, completing his $2 billion power plant circulated on social media. Our research revealed this claim to be false.

While Adeleke is constructing a significant power plant in Nigeria, it has not yet been completed. According to recent statements by Adeleke himself, the 1,250-megawatt power plant is scheduled for completion in January 2025. This project, valued at $2 billion, is set to become Nigeria’s largest power plant upon completion.

The claim’s origin is a misinterpretation or prematurely announcing the project’s status. Our investigation found no credible reports confirming the plant’s completion, and Adeleke’s company, Pacific Holdings, has not released any information suggesting the project is finished. More details exist here.

4. Eleme refinery inferno

A viral video claimed that the Port Harcourt refinery was engulfed in flames. Shared widely on Facebook, the video fueled speculation amidst the tense political climate in Rivers State. 

However, eyewitness accounts and a statement from the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) debunked the claim, clarifying that the incident was a minor flare, not an explosion or inferno. Further investigation revealed that the viral footage originated from a 2022 refinery incident unrelated to current events. Read more of the fact-check here.

5. Burkina Faso and IMF loan

This fact-check investigates a viral claim that Burkina Faso’s President Ibrahim Traoré has rejected loans from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank since taking office. Our research reveals this claim to be false.

Contrary to the assertion, Burkina Faso has continued to receive financial support from both institutions under Traoré’s leadership. The IMF approved a 48-month Extended Credit Facility (ECF) arrangement for Burkina Faso on Sept. 21, 2023, with a first review completed on June 14, 2024. This review enabled an immediate disbursement of about US$31.7 million, bringing the total IMF financial support to about US$63.4 million.

Furthermore, the World Bank approved a US$100.4 million Human Capital Protection Project for Burkina Faso on Sept. 19, 2024, to support the government’s efforts in delivering essential social services.

6. Traoré’s invitation to White House 

Another claim about Traoré said he declined an invitation to attend President Donald Trump’s inauguration. The claim, widely circulated on Facebook and other platforms, alleged that Traoré prioritised domestic responsibilities over international engagements. 

However, our investigation revealed the claim to be false. Neither Traoré’s name nor any African leader appeared on the official guest list for Trump’s inauguration, as confirmed by credible sources, including Al Jazeera and American Online. Furthermore, no reputable media outlet reported such an invitation or rejection. Read more of the fact-check here.

7. Stonebreaker leaf and lemongrass for Hepatitis? 

A Facebook user recently suggested that stonebreaker leaf and lemongrass could cure all types of hepatitis, which warrants closer inspection. While both plants have a history in traditional medicine, and some research suggests they may benefit liver function and reduce oxidative stress, insufficient scientific evidence supports their use as a definitive cure for all forms of hepatitis. 

Experts suggest that more research is required to isolate and study the specific metabolites responsible for any reported effects and to determine safe and effective dosages. It’s crucial for those diagnosed with hepatitis to seek proper medical care and not rely solely on unverified claims. Read more about the investigation here.

8. Pornography not yet banned in Nigeria

A claim that pornography has been banned in Nigeria is misleading. While the House of Representatives recently directed the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) to block access to pornographic websites, this motion has not yet been implemented. 

The NCC has neither enforced the directive nor issued any official statement about its execution. Additionally, pornography websites remain accessible within Nigeria, and further legislative action is expected after a report from the relevant committees in April 2025.

9. $30bn grain farm in Abia from Russia? No

A claim circulating on social media that Russia plans to establish the world’s largest grain farm, valued at over $30 billion, in Abia State, Nigeria, has been debunked as false. There is no credible evidence or official statement from the Russian government supporting this claim. 

The image accompanying the claim appears to be digitally fabricated, and extensive searches for news reports or official announcements have yielded nothing. Russia’s recent agricultural efforts have focused on domestic production and exports, with no indication of such a large-scale foreign project. Read more here.

10.  No arrest warrant against Akpabio

Amidst the crises rocking the Nigeria Senate since Natasha’s sexual harassment allegations became public, a claim that the International Criminal Court (ICC) issued an arrest warrant for Nigeria’s Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, tended. However, it is false. 

The ICC’s jurisdiction is limited to grave crimes like genocide and war crimes, not individual misconduct such as sexual harassment. No official statement or credible evidence supports this claim, and the ICC’s case listings make no mention of Akpabio.

11. Inibehe Okon: Texas university counters doctor’s alumnus claim

Inibehe Okon, a self-proclaimed neurosurgeon, has been embroiled in allegations of academic fraud after claiming affiliations with prestigious institutions such as the University of Texas at Austin and Johns Hopkins University. Recently, the University of Texas at Austin disassociated itself from Okon, stating he is neither a current nor former student. 

This follows a viral image suggesting he was part of a US residency programme, which sparked widespread interest and scrutiny. Okon’s credentials have been questioned, including claims of over 65 published academic journals, and he has since made his social media profiles private. Despite being contacted for clarification, Okon evaded direct questions and indicated he would release a statement addressing the allegations. More of the story is found here. 

12. Qudus Day protest held in March, not February

A viral WhatsApp message claimed that the Islamic Movement of Nigeria (IMN) planned street processions for International Qudus Day on 23 February 2025, but this was inaccurate as the demonstrations were scheduled for 28 March 2025. The United States Embassy warned of potential disruptions, including roadblocks and confrontations, during the protests in Abuja and other cities. 

On the day of the procession, clashes erupted between IMN members and soldiers at Banex Plaza in Abuja, leading to gunfire and casualties. The IMN accused the Nigerian Army of using live ammunition against peaceful protesters while security forces remained on high alert amidst rising tensions.

13.  Reps have not passed law equalising BSC, HND

The claim that the Nigerian House of Representatives has passed a law equalising Bachelor’s degrees (BSc) and Higher National Diplomas (HND) is false. While a bill addressing the BSc–HND disparity has been introduced, it has only passed its second reading as of March 2025 and is yet to become law. The proposed legislation seeks to replace the HND with a Bachelor of Technology (BTech) degree, enabling polytechnic graduates to compete equally with university graduates. 

Contrary to social media claims, the bill does not propose a two-year jail term for discrimination against HND holders. For the bill to become law, it must undergo further legislative processes, including Senate approval and presidential assent.