In a weekly roundup, the Dubawa fact-checking organization verified several claims circulating online. A Facebook page, Hausaland Magazine, shared images claiming the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) arrested Fulani youth suspected of cattle rustling and banditry in Sokoto State. However, Dubawa found that the images were recycled from a 2021 incident, not a recent event as alleged. An official press statement from the NSCDC confirmed the 2021 arrest.
Another claim verified by Dubawa involved a video posted by Political Warri Boi on Facebook, alleging that Peter Obi's supporters, the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), were taking over campaign activities in Jos and Calabar ahead of the 2027 general elections. Dubawa discovered that no credible Nigerian news outlet reported the incident, and a Google Reverse Image Search indicated the video was filmed in 2022.
A video shared by Justice Mayor Backup on Facebook allegedly showed Yoruba people protesting against President Bola Tinubu's government. However, Dubawa found no reports from trusted news sources on the incident. A digital analysis of keyframes from the video revealed that it had been online since 2024, contradicting the claim that it was a recent event.
Dubawa also verified a claim that 48 people were killed and burned during a clash in Rafi LGA, Niger State. The fact-checking organization found reports showing that the incident occurred earlier in July 2026, amid increased communal clashes between farming and pastoralist communities over land disputes and natural resources.
A controversy surrounding Shehu Buba Umar, a lawmaker representing Bauchi South Senatorial District, involved allegations of sponsoring banditry in Nigeria. A Facebook user claimed that the Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammad Abubakar, rejected an investigation into the issue. However, Dubawa found no credible evidence that the Sultan made or endorsed the statement attributed to him.
The Dubawa fact-checking organization aims to combat misinformation and disinformation on social media platforms, particularly Facebook. By verifying claims and providing accurate information, Dubawa seeks to promote informed public conversations and prevent the spread of false narratives.
In conclusion, Dubawa's weekly roundup highlighted the importance of verifying information online to prevent the spread of misinformation. The fact-checking organization continues to investigate and verify claims, providing accurate information to the public and promoting a more informed public discourse.
Key points
- Dubawa verified several claims, including the NSCDC's arrest of Fulani youth, an NDC rally, Yoruba protests against Tinubu, violence in Niger State, and the Sultan of Sokoto's statement.
- The fact-checking organization found that most of the claims were false or recycled from previous events.
- Dubawa aims to promote informed public conversations and prevent the spread of misinformation on social media platforms.
