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For the latest edition of DUBAWA’s weekly round-up, we covered controversial issues that went viral in Nigeria. We also went beyond Nigeria’s borders to provide context for matters of interest to the public.
Here are some of the claims we fact-checked:
- Finland released jailed IPOB leader, Simon Ekpa
Facebook users shared a video claiming that Simon Ekpa was released in Finland. The footage shows the pro-Biafran agitator exchanging hugs and pleasantries with unidentified men as they enter a building. This video is circulating days after he was found guilty of terrorism offences and sentenced to six years in prison in Finland.
When DUBAWA checked, we saw that Simon had not been released. The video shared was first published with the false narrative in June and then recirculated after his sentence in September 2025.
- IPhone 17 Pro Max’s rear camera shift and possess hidden camera
A viral Instagram reel suggests that Apple’s newly released iPhone 17 Pro Max has a rear camera that shifts or moves. It also claims the device houses an additional hidden camera at the back.
However, when we investigated, we saw that the claim that the iPhone 17 Pro Max features a shifting rear camera and an extra hidden back camera is false. Apple’s official specifications and credible tech reviews confirm that the device only comes with a triple 48MP Fusion camera system and an 18MP front-facing camera.
- President Bio endorsed Fortuix Agency
Ioannis Elenis shared a viral news article on Facebook claiming that President Julius Maada Bio has endorsed Fortuix Agency in an interview with Forbes’ Seth Cohen.
The news article, allegedly written by Samuel Koroma and published by Swit Salone, is a in well-crafted exclusive interview of President Bio speaking to Seth Cohen, the Chief Impact Officer at Forbes.
DUBAWA’s investigation of the news article showed it lacked credibility. No credible news media reported the story in the country. Based on a website scan on Cisco Talisco Intelligence, the website is “untrusted and malicious.”
- The United States to deal with immigrants, justifying Charlie Kirk’s death online
Conservative activist and co-founder of Turning Point USA, Charlie Kirk, was fatally shot on Sept. 10, 2025, during an event at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah. Kirk was delivering a speech as part of his organisation’s “The American Comeback Tour”
A Facebook user, Hajia Yekini, shared an image claiming that immigrants who justify the death of Charlie Kirk on social media could face consequences.
We verified and found out that it was true. The U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau issued the warning on his X page on Sept 11, 2025.
- Sierra Leone ranked as top five most generous countries
The Director of Communications at the State House, Myk Berewa, stated that Indonesia, Kenya, Nigeria, Myanmar, and Sierra Leone were ranked among the top five most generous countries on the World Giving Index 2023.
Our findings revealed that the claim was false. According to the World Giving Index 2023, Sierra Leone was ranked 23rd. Kenya and Liberia were the only African countries ranked as the top five most generous countries, while Myanmar was ranked 6th.
