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Misinformation on social media continues to highlight the importance of fact-checking, media literacy, and access to accurate information.
This week, DUBAWA examined a range of viral claims, from misleading political narratives and AI-generated images involving public figures to misrepresented humanitarian activities, false reports about military deployments, recycled political videos, and misleading health information.
Here is a roundup of the key claims DUBAWA fact-checked this week.
- Christian family forced to convert to Islam at gunpoint
An X user claimed that a Christian family in Nigeria was kidnapped and forced to recite the Shahada, the Islamic declaration of faith, and convert to Islam at gunpoint. The video circulated widely online, sparking reactions and concerns about religious persecution in Nigeria.
However, when DUBAWA verified the claim, we found it to be misleading. A reverse image search traced the footage to reports by Punch Newspapers and TVC News about a couple abducted from their residence in Millennium City, Kaduna State, by unknown gunmen who demanded a N300 million ransom.
Neither report provided evidence that the family was Christian or that the abductors had forced them to convert to Islam. The available evidence instead linked the video to a kidnapping for ransom case.
Read more in our report here.
- Viral video shows fight over rice in Kano mosque
A Facebook user shared a video claiming it shows Kano residents fighting over rice inside a mosque in Kano State. The footage attracted attention on social media, with a caption suggesting that supporters of the All Progressives Congress(APC) were involved in the tussle.
But our findings revealed that the video was unrelated to Nigeria or a fight over rice.
- AI-generated images show Atiku, Tambuwal receiving bandit kingpin into ADC
Social media users circulated images online purportedly showing former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and former Sokoto State Governor Aminu Tambuwal receiving a bandit kingpin into the African Democratic Congress (ADC). The images sparked reactions online, with social media users sharing them as evidence of the politicians’ alleged association with banditry.
When DUBAWA examined the images, we found they were AI-generated.
- France deployed 7,000 additional troops over alleged Islamist invasion
A claim circulating online alleged that France had deployed 7,000 additional troops in response to an alleged Islamist invasion. The claim sparked online discussion, with social media users sharing reports suggesting the country was preparing for an imminent security threat.
We found the claim to be misleading.
- Facebook user makes misleading claims about epilepsy
A Facebook user shared claims about epilepsy, making assertions about the condition that could misinform the public. The post circulated online, potentially reinforcing misconceptions about epilepsy and its causes.
However, DUBAWA examined the claims about epilepsy against available medical evidence to establish their accuracy and clarify the facts about the condition.