|
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...
|
As misinformation continues to swirl across social media platforms, this week was no exception.
From fabricated stories to AI-generated videos and wrongly attributed photos, several misleading stories grabbed public attention. Here’s a breakdown of the top misleading claims that were debunked this week:
- Viral video of #FreeNnamdiKanuNow protest falsely linked to Nigeria
TikTok users circulated a video claiming that Nigerians in Abuja were protesting for the release of IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu. The footage shows a large crowd waving red flags and chanting, allegedly in support of Kanu.
DUBAWA’s investigation revealed that the video was not from Nigeria. Through reverse image search and visual analysis, the fact-check traced the footage to a September 2025 protest in Kathmandu, Nepal, organised against the Nepalese government.
- Viral photo of Messi and wife visiting Nigeria is AI-generated
A Facebook post shared images claiming that football star Lionel Messi and his wife, Antonela Roccuzzo, visited Nigeria and were warmly received in traditional attire. The photos, which show the couple dressed in Nigerian outfits, have been widely circulated across social media.
However, when we investigated, we found that Messi had not visited Nigeria. Analysis using AI-detection tools showed that the photos were AI-generated, with a 92.8 per cent probability score. Further checks revealed that Messi was in the United States training with Inter Miami at the time the images surfaced.
- No evidence man’s consumption of bird semen led to a new virus outbreak in China
A viral post circulating on social media claims that a man’s consumption of bird semen caused a new virus outbreak in China. The post also features images of people in hazmat suits, allegedly showing health officials responding to the outbreak.
When DUBAWA checked, we found no credible evidence to support this claim. The image used was traced to 2022, during China’s COVID-19 lockdown, and has no link to any recent disease outbreak.
Additionally, there are no official reports or news from Chinese authorities or international health bodies linking any virus to the consumption of bird semen.
- Viral video of rat disrupting Al Jazeera’s live broadcast is AI-generated
A short viral video on social media shows a rat running across the desk during an Al Jazeera live news broadcast, forcing the anchor to jump out of her seat. The clip has been widely shared with claims that it was a real incident that was aired on the news channel.
We checked and found out it was false. Our findings showed that the video was AI-generated. Close analysis revealed several inconsistencies, such as distorted desk movements and unnatural reactions. AI-detection tools also confirmed that parts of the footage contained deepfake elements.
- Viral video of Boko Haram “seizing military barracks” is misattributed
A TikTok user posted a video showing Boko Haram militants roaming military barracks in Nigeria, celebrating their victory. The post suggests they have taken over many Nigerian army installations.
Our findings revealed that the claim is false. The uniforms in the video match those of the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in Sudan, not Boko Haram. Key visual elements and a Sudanese flag on one vehicle support this link. Furthermore, no credible Nigerian media reported any such seizure of barracks by Boko Haram.
