Photo source: DUBAWA.
|
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...
|
As misinformation continues to flow across social media platforms, this week was no exception. From wrongly attributed AI-generated videos and photos to health misinformation, several misleading stories grabbed public attention in Nigeria and beyond.
Here’s a breakdown of the top misleading claims that were debunked this week:
- Viral video of the Kwara mass burial
The Kwara massacre occurred on Feb. 3 and 4, 2026, in the predominantly Muslim villages of Woro and Nuku in Kaiama LGA, near the Benin border. The massacre left at least 162 people dead.
Following the incident, a Facebook user, Datboy Comedy, posted a video on his page with the caption, “Kwara community mass burial.”
We checked using multiple AI-detection tools and confirmed that the video is AI-generated and does not depict any real events in Kwara State.
- Lemon, honey, and salt mixture, as waist pain cure
A Facebook user shared a video claiming that mixing two native lemons, honey, and a pinch of salt can eliminate waist pain. In the voiceover, the user instructs viewers to squeeze two native lemons into a glass cup, remove the seeds, add honey, and include a pinch of salt.
DUBAWA checked and discovered that there is no scientific evidence that the mixture relieves waist pain or works as a painkiller. Medical experts also say it is not a recognised treatment and could delay proper diagnosis.
- Miyetti Allah leaders arrested in connection with Kaiama massacre
A Facebook user posted a claim that three leaders of the Fulani social cultural group, the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association, have been arrested for their involvement in the massacre in Kaiama LGA, Kwara State.
The user claimed that the three of them were arrested alongside 60 others and were exposed for planning and sponsoring the massacre.
Our investigations revealed there is no evidence to support the claim. A part of the Facebook post was traced to a similar report about the arrest of MACBAN leaders, Fulani leaders for the Kwara killings, in DailyPost Nigeria on Jan. 27, 2026, published days before the recent attacks.
- Seyi Tinubu sharing hoarded COVID-19 palliatives
Some pictures have been circulating on social media showing President Bola Tinubu’s son, Seyi Tinubu, with boxes of relief material. On the boxes, the words “END #COVID-19” were highlighted, suggesting they are COVID-19 palliatives.
DUBAWA noticed that the picture was first uploaded online in April 2020. Also, on the first day of Ramadan 2026, it was reshared by an Instagram blog in Seyi’s name, highlighting the latter’s humanitarian efforts during the fasting season. Noella Foundation, co-founded by Seyi and his wife, provided the palliatives.
- Garlic, hot water, and lemon mixture restarts menstruation within 5 days
A Facebook page posted a video claiming that garlic, hot water, and lemon can restore menstruation within three to five days. The poster instructs viewers to grate garlic, add hot water, and mix properly.
However, there is no scientific evidence to support the claim. Medical experts argue that garlic and lemon may offer general nutritional benefits, but they do not treat the underlying causes of delayed or irregular periods.
Menstrual cycles are regulated by hormones, not home remedies. Read more here.
- Image of Pope Leo XIV waving the Biafran flag
A Facebook user shared an image of Pope Leo XIV waving the Biafran flag, claiming it shows support for the immediate release of Nnamdi Kanu. The post included a picture of the Pope holding the flag with the caption: “Pope raises Biafra flag for first time, supporters say it signals a call to free Nnamdi Kanu and stop killing of Christians.”
Using Keyword search, reverse image search, and AI detection tools, DUBAWA discovered that the image had been manipulated. We also found no news report or image of the pope waving the Biafran flag.
