#2015InReview: Top 6 Fake News That Shocked Nigerians
Fact-checking is very important in the world of mass media as anonymous sources always ready to leak unconfirmed facts, photos and videos. In most cases, these fake news gather lots of public attention and receive a refutation in the end.
Naij.com made a compilation of the most shocking Nigerian news that were debunked in 2015.
1. Nnamdi Kanu Apologises To President Buhari
The leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and the founder of Radio Biafra, Nnamdi Kanu has 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.
However, these 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.
2. President Buhari Closes Down Aso Rock Villa Church
At the beginning of September, 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.
3. Godsday Orubebe Defects From PDP To APC
In May, former minister of Niger Delta affairs, Elder Godsday Orubebe, has allegedly tweeted that “he has concluded plans to join his folks in the APC to champion and sustain the movement for a better Niger Delta in the new administration.” Orubebe, who attempted to disrupt the collation of presidential election results, and confronted INEC Chairman, Attahiru Jega, has denied these media reports.
Orubebe said his Twitter account has been hacked, adding that he is a core PDP member.
4. Owa Obokun of Ijeshaland Has Passed Away
After the royal family has been besieged with torrents of calls to confirm if the king is alive or not, a son of Oba Gabriel Adekunle Aromolaran in an exclusive chat with Naij.com expressed shock and debunked the news.
On October 27, Prince Adeyemi Aromolaran confirmed that Oba Aromolaran is alive, hale and healthy.
READ ALSO: #2015InReview: 16 Events That Shook Nigeria In 2015
5. Nollywood Actor Hanks Anuku Is HIV Positive
Shocking news emerged in February this year that actor Hanks Anuku had HIV and allegedly intentionally infected his wife. However, the actor in a phone chat with Naij.com confirmed that he is healthy and there is “no iota of truth” in these ridiculous rumors.
6. Buhari Traveled Abroad Over Poor Health
Muhammadu Buhari, who was a presidential candidate at that time, allegedly went to London to address his health problems in a hospital. However, the situation has been cleared out as the president said he went to the UK for a short working visit. He left Abuja on February 19 to visit key members of the Royal Institute of International Affair, Chatham House.
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