A recent report by Dubawa, a fact-checking organization, has identified AI-generated images, fake political statements, and fabricated videos as the top misinformation trends in Nigeria. The report, which covers the organization's findings for the week of November 15, 2026, highlights the growing concern of misinformation in the country. Dubawa uses various tools, including artificial intelligence-powered software, to verify the authenticity of images, videos, and statements. The organization's efforts aim to promote fact-based information and counter the spread of misinformation.
One of the notable cases highlighted in the report involves an AI-generated image of Peter Obi, a presidential candidate, allegedly lying in a hospital bed after suffering an injury while using a treadmill. Dubawa used AI-powered software, including Sightengine and Hive Detect, to verify the image and found that it was likely created using AI. The organization also found that there was no credible news report about Obi's alleged illness. This case demonstrates the increasing sophistication of AI-generated content and the need for fact-checking organizations to stay vigilant.
Another case involves a statement attributed to President Bola Tinubu, claiming that God had revealed to him a plan to address Nigeria's security challenges if he is re-elected for a second term. Dubawa investigated the claim and found that while Tinubu did make a statement about praying for guidance, there was no evidence to support the claim that God had revealed a specific plan to him. The organization also found that Tinubu's statement was taken out of context and manipulated to create a false narrative.
A video circulating on Facebook appears to show the Sarkin Katsina, Abdulmumini Usman, rejecting a visit from President Tinubu's campaign team due to the rising hunger and insecurity in Nigeria. However, Dubawa's investigation found that the video was misleading, and there was no credible evidence to support the claim. The organization found that the Sarkin Katsina did express concerns about the economic situation and the need for politicians to be realistic in their promises, but there was no evidence of him rejecting the campaign team.
A video circulating on social media appears to show a group of men in military attire being led by armed bandits, with a claim that the bandits had taken over Africa. Dubawa investigated the video and found that it was actually related to a conflict in Ethiopia, not Nigeria. The organization used video verification tools to debunk the claim and found that there was no evidence to support the assertion that bandits had taken over the continent.
A Facebook post claimed that former President Olusegun Obasanjo had called on Nigerians to reject President Tinubu's re-election bid due to the country's debt profile. However, Dubawa's investigation found that while Obasanjo did criticize the government's debt plans, there was no evidence to support the claim that he called on Nigerians to reject Tinubu's re-election bid. The organization found that Obasanjo's statement was taken out of context and manipulated to create a false narrative.
Finally, a claim by Obafemi Hamzat, a governorship candidate in Lagos State, that Lagos had become the startup capital of the world was found to be misleading. Dubawa investigated the claim and found that while Lagos ranked 70th in the StartupBlink Global Startup Ecosystem Index 2026, it was not the top-ranked city in the world. The organization found that Lagos did rank first in sub-Saharan Africa in terms of technology and startup ecosystem, but not globally.
Key points
- AI-generated images, fake political statements, and fabricated videos are leading misinformation trends in Nigeria.
- Dubawa's fact-checking efforts aim to promote fact-based information and counter the spread of misinformation.
- The organization's investigations often reveal that claims are taken out of context or manipulated to create false narratives.
