Source: DUBAWA
|
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...
|
This week, we found claims about the economy, security, Ponzi schemes, and unorthodox yet dangerous recommendations for women’s health.
Here are some of the claims DUBAWA fact-checked during the week:
- Eco currency to replace Naira
Recent viral claims suggesting the Naira will be replaced by the Eco currency by 2027 have sparked debate across West Africa. The Eco is a project aimed at boosting regional trade, similar to the Euro, used in European countries.
While it is true that 12 ECOWAS member states are currently finalising frameworks for a unified currency, this initiative has faced multiple delays since the year 2000. Despite the July 2027 target, the transition is far from guaranteed, as participating nations must first meet stringent economic benchmarks regarding inflation and fiscal deficits that have stalled previous attempts.
At the time of publication, the Nigerian government and the Central Bank have issued no official notice regarding the abandonment of the Naira. Adoption of the Eco is not automatic; it requires meeting specific “convergence criteria” that many member states still struggle to achieve.
Given the complexity of these financial requirements and the history of past postponements, the 2027 deadline remains speculative. To understand the complete technical requirements, the history of these negotiations, and the official stance of the Nigerian presidency, read our findings here.
- Dangote detained over scandalous financial comment
A TikTok video claiming that billionaire Aliko Dangote has been detained following a scandalous live broadcast is entirely false. DUBAWA’s findings revealed that the clip is a “deepfake” created using Artificial Intelligence (AI) to mimic Dangote’s voice and appearance.
The fabricated video suggests that Dangote is promoting a high-return investment scheme, promising Nigerians massive weekly profits from a small initial deposit, reminiscent of financial scam schemes that DUBAWA have investigated.
In reality, the original footage was taken from a December 2025 announcement where Dangote pledged a N100 billion annual education fund to support over a million Nigerian students. No credible news outlets reported any such detention, and AI detection tools have confirmed the viral clip is synthetic.
Find the full fact-check here.
- UN ordered Nnamdi Kanu’s release
A viral video claimed that the United Nations ordered the Nigerian government to release Nnamdi Kanu within 60 days or face severe international sanctions. DUBAWA’s findings reveal the claim is false.
While the UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention did recommend Kanu’s unconditional release back in 2022, there is no recent 2026 ultimatum or “Level-Red” warning as the video suggests. Furthermore, the UN Working Group is an advisory body; it lacks the legal authority to impose sanctions, freeze central bank accounts, or set binding deadlines for sovereign nations.
There is no evidence of an emergency government legal team filing “last-minute pleas,” nor is there any indication that the UN Security Council intervenes in individual human rights detentions in the manner described.
- Shettima threatened APC to guarantee his position
Some social media users claimed that Kashim Shettima, Nigeria’s vice president, threatened to divide the All Progressives Congress (APC) if removed from office. However, the claims are false.
DUBAWA checked the Vice President’s official communications, verified social media accounts, and public speeches, and found no record of such a statement ever being made. Also, no credible news outlets reported these alleged threats, and official spokespersons have not authenticated the claims.
This narrative appears to be part of a broader pattern of misinformation aimed at high-profile political figures to stir partisan tensions. Read the full fact-check here.
- US soldiers claim victory in Zamfara
A viral video claimed that United States (US) and Nigerian troops conducted a joint combat operation to rescue kidnapped victims in Zamfara State. This claim comes amid recent spikes in insecurity in the Northern parts of the country.
DUBAWA confirmed that the Nigerian government disclosed the recent arrival of approximately 100 to 200 US military personnel. However, the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) clearly stated that these forces are in the country strictly for advisory and training purposes. They are not combat troops and do not participate in ground rescue missions or direct operations.
Digital forensic analysis confirmed that the viral video is AI-generated. The clip uses synthetic visuals and audio to create a fabricated scene, which researchers found to be 100% AI-generated.
The actual role of US personnel in Nigeria is limited to technical support, intelligence sharing, and capacity-building for the Nigerian Armed Forces, all under the direct control of the Nigerian government.
- Eating raw eggs helps you get pregnant
A Facebook video claimed that women can conceive, or even have twins, by consuming raw eggs on an empty stomach for seven days. However, medical experts and global health organisations, like the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), dismissed the claim.
They revealed that pregnancy is a biological process requiring the fertilisation of an egg by sperm during a woman’s fertile window. No specific food, including raw eggs, has the power to trigger ovulation or treat infertility.
While a protein-rich diet supports general well-being, there is no scientific evidence to support the “seven-day egg routine.” In fact, health authorities warned that eating raw eggs can lead to Salmonella infection, which can cause severe illness such as fever, vomiting, and abdominal cramps.
Relying on such myths can delay proper medical diagnosis for those facing fertility challenges. According to gynaecologists, successful conception depends on factors such as sperm health, the timing of intercourse, and overall lifestyle choices like maintaining a healthy weight.
