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The continuous spread of misinformation across social media and other platforms underscores the critical need for verification, media literacy, and information literacy.
This edition of DUBAWA’s weekly round-up covers controversial issues from security, politics, and AI-generated photos, both in Nigeria and internationally.
Here is a breakdown of the claims DUBAWA fact-checked in the last week.
- Video of US Military officer announcing US takeover in Nigeria
An X user shared a video of a United States military officer announcing that the United States military will “take over” the Nigerian army and help end terrorism. “The US military will take it from the Nigerian Army, and they will do their best to end Boko Haram terror.” The post said.
DUBAWA’s analysis, however reveals that the video was generated or heavily manipulated using Artificial Intelligence. There is no official record of such an announcement from the US military.
- Image of armed man arrested in Lagos State
An X user shared an image claiming that Rapid Response Squad (RRS) operatives had arrested an Igbo man with three locally made pistols in Lagos State.
The image was captioned, “Operatives of the Rapid Response Squad (RRS) have arrested the most wanted criminal and gang leader, Emeka Igwe (aka odogwu) at the Toyota bus-stop near Oshodi, Lagos. Three locally-made pistols were recovered from him.”
We conducted a reverse image search and found a report by The Nation, published on Apr. 30, 2022, that shared the same image as the claimant. Other publications reported it in April 2022.
- Ethiopian militia video shared as Nigerian bandits planning an attack
A Facebook user shared a video claiming that the people shown are Nigerian bandits preparing to launch a fresh attack. The video showed a crowd of men who ran in circles and chanted in an unfamiliar language while holding guns.
But DUBAWA traced the video to Ethiopia and confirmed that it shows members of the Oromo Liberation Front, not Nigerian bandits. Therefore, the claim is false.
- Ibrahim Traore removed from power
X user claimed Traore has been removed from power. The post shared with a photograph of Traore reads, “BREAKING: Ibrahim Traore removed Obidiot eyes go blur.”
We analysed the claim and discovered that there is no evidence from credible news sources, official government websites, or Traore’s own social media accounts to support the claim.
Recent events, including official meetings and public duties, confirm that Traore continues to serve as President of Burkina Faso and Head of State.
- Viral message of planned Muslim attack on ‘We Are One’ crusade
A viral WhatsApp message claims there is a planned attack on Christians at a forthcoming crusade titled “We Are One”. The message alleged that Muslim leaders plan to bomb Christians across Nigeria during the event.
The post also states that the crusade will be held across Nigeria and will use a popular pastor to attract attendees.
Our findings suggest that the warning message advising Christians against attending a “We Are One” crusade is unfounded. The claim has circulated online for several years, with different versions dating back to 2018 and 2021. It was also publicly debunked in 2019 by the MURIC, which described it as fake news.
