5 biggest hoax in Nigerian history
Fact-checking is one of the most important aspects of news writing as anonymous sources are always ready to leak unconfirmed facts, photos and videos.
In most cases, these fake news gather a lot of public attention and receive a refutation in the end.
Legit.ng presents to you 5 of the biggest hoax in Nigerian history:
1. Shekau finally surrenders
Reports emerged in the early hours on Thursday, March 24 suggesting that Boko Haram had finally surrendered to the superior power of Nigeria.
A video published by Leadership, shows the group’s leader, Abubakar Shekau, who was previously rumoured to have been killed, advising his followers to “surrender to save themselves”.
However, analysis of the speech by Shekau casts doubt on the claims of the terrorist leader’s surrender. Legit.ng’s editors who carefully listened to the viral speech by Shekau could not verify any message urging the Islamists to lay down their weapons in the video.
READ ALSO: Boko Haram finally surrenders (Updated)
2. Ngige faints in senate
On Thursday, February 18, reports suggested that Nigeria’s minister of labour and employment, Dr Chris Nwabueze Ngige, collapsed at the National Assembly.
However, a couple of hours after the numerous publications Ngige denied reports that he collapsed during National Assembly budget defence. Speaking aboard an aircraft from South Africa, he described the report as rumour aimed at damaging his strength and personality. Senator Ngige said the collapse rumour is laughable and a failed attempt by never to do well politicians for their selfish interest.
3. Iara Oshiomole files for divorce
Unconfirmed reports broke a month ago that the beautiful wife of Edo state governor, Iara Fortes Oshimhole, had filed for divorce.It was alleged that Mrs Iara was filing for divorce on claims that her husband, Adams Oshiomhole, is fetish and diabolic. Iara was alleged to have also accused her husband of being responsible for the death of his former wife Mrs Clara Oshiomhle who died on December 7, 2010, at the Abuja clinic, Maitama, after a protracted battle with breast cancer.”
Finally, a media aide of the Edo state governor confirmed to Legit.ng that the couple are happy together.
4. President Buhari closes down Aso Rock Villa church
In September 2015, mass media was filled with reports that President Buhari has allegedly ordered the closure and relocation of the Aso Rock Villa Church.
Former president Olusegun Obasanjo allegedly built the Villa Chapel too close to the residence to enjoy worship from the comfort of his bedroom. Thus President Buhari decided to relocate or even close the church as it doesn’t apply to his religion.
Nevertheless, Femi Adesina, the president’s special adviser on media and publicity, denied the story, saying that the alleged closed church is still open and functioning. Adesina also tweeted photos from service held on Sunday, September 6, 2015.
READ ALSO: Senator Chris Ngige denies collapse reports (updated)
5. Nnamdi Kanu apologizes to President Buhari
The leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and the founder of Radio Biafra, Nnamdi Kanu had allegedly apologised to President Muhammadu Buhari for referring to him (Buhari) as a terrorist, evil and a paedophile in his radio broadcasts. The apology was reportedly contained in a statement which the 48-year-old pro-Biafran agitator made available to the DSS on October 23, 2015.
However, this information has been denied by Vincent Obetta, the lawyer of Nnamdi Kanu. According to the lawyer, the government was trying everything possible to destroy Kanu’s defence.
Source: Legit.ng
