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Misinformation spreads online and offline daily, showing the need for Media and Information Literacy and verification.
Here are some claims fact-checked by DUBAWA in the past week.
- Capitol Building fire linked to natural causes and electric shock.
A wildfire disaster occurred on the Liberian Capitol Building on Dec. 18, 2024, causing damage to the Legislature of $1.8 million.
Bryan Harris, a social media user, posted in Liberian Policy Forum, a Facebook group, alleging that the FRA findings revealed the Capitol Building Disaster was caused by electric shock and natural causes.
DUBAWA analysed the FRA investigative report on the fire, which identified the Speaker’s podium as the origin. The rapid spread suggested the use of an ignitable liquid. The fire was ruled intentional, as electrical causes were eliminated, and suspicious one-gallon containers were found near exits.
- Galatasaray’s head coach slams Conte over Osimhen’s move
A Facebook handle, Nigerian News—Headlines Today, claimed that Galatasaray’s head coach, Okan Buruk, slammed Conte over Osimhen’s contract with Galatasaray. The former player-turned-coach fumed at Conte for desiring to have the one-time African player of the year back at Napoli.
When we checked, we saw no evidence that Galatasaray’s head coach made the alleged statements.
- Video suggesting stampede for food in Nigeria
Earlier this week, a Facebook user shared a video showing several people scampering for free bread, claiming it was in Ogun State, Nigeria.
However, DUBAWA investigated and found that the video was out of context. Although the incident did happen, the timing and location are misleading.
- Several claims on FCT community demolition
The minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, ordered a demolition to clear space for a road linking Maitama District and Gwarimpa.
Following this demolition, several claims have emerged offline and on Facebook, including claims that the entire Gishiri community was demolished and the people of the Gbagyi tribe were the main targets, amongst others.
Following DUBAWA’s visit to the Gishiri community and other investigations, we found some of the claims were true, while others were false and misleading.
- The Bong County Council approved $100,000 for bean cultivation
A Facebook user alleged that the Bong County Council approved US$100,000 for cultivating beans across the county.
DUBAWA’s investigation revealed that $100,000 was not approved for bean cultivation across Bong. According to the Bong County Council Chairperson, Aaron Sackie Fenlah, and a copy of the approved hundred-day deliverable budget, only $1,900 was allotted for the county’s beans project.
