How PRNigeria Fact-Checks Unmasked 9 Top Fake News in May 2025
Last month, PRNigeria conducted several fact-checks to address misinformation circulating in the country. These fact-checks covered topics ranging from security concerns to political events.
Below is a summary of the most notable fact-checks from that month:
1. Boko Haram Regrouping in the North-East?
A video suggesting that Boko Haram was regrouping in Nigeria’s North-East gained traction online. PRNigeria‘s investigation revealed that the video was not recent and did not provide evidence of a new resurgence. While concerns about insurgent activities persist, the specific claims made by the video were found to be misleading.
2. ‘Fulani Bandits’ Dancing with Severed Human Limbs
A disturbing video purportedly showing ‘Fulani bandits’ dancing with severed human limbs circulated widely. PRNigeria‘s analysis determined that the video was taken out of context and did not depict what was claimed. The footage was from a different event unrelated to the alleged activities of ‘Fulani bandits’.
3. Nigeria’s Exclusion from UK’s Major Migrant Crime Offenders List
A video report claimed that Nigeria was excluded from a UK list of countries with the highest number of migrant crime offenders. A fact-check by PRNigeria confirmed that Nigeria did not feature among the top 15 nationalities for migrant crime convictions or arrests in the UK in 2024. While the core claim of the viral video is accurate, its accompanying graphics are unverified and lack credible sources. Notably, Albanian nationals topped convictions for drug-related offenses, while Congolese nationals led in violent crime convictions.
4. Israeli-Russian Hostage Praising Hamas
A claim emerged that Alexander Trufanov, an Israeli-Russian hostage, praised Hamas, his captors. PRNigeria‘s fact-check concluded that there was no verifiable evidence to support this claim. Statements attributed to Trufanov were not corroborated by credible sources.
5. Peter Obi Kneeling Before President Tinubu
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Images circulated online suggesting that Peter Obi knelt before President Tinubu during the inauguration of Pope Leo XIV. PRNigeria‘s investigation revealed that the images were digitally manipulated and did not reflect any actual event.
6. Plastic Rice Smuggled into Nigeria
Concerns about plastic rice being smuggled into Nigeria resurfaced. PRNigeria‘s research found no credible evidence supporting the existence or distribution of plastic rice in the country. The claim was determined to be a recurring hoax.
7. President Tinubu Commissioning Only a Marriage in Katsina
A claim suggested that President Tinubu only commissioned a marriage in Katsina State, unlike his project-focused visit to Anambra. PRNigeria found this assertion to be false, confirming that the President’s visit to Katsina included multiple official engagements beyond the alleged marriage ceremony.
8. Zamfara Woman Facing Death Penalty for Converting to Christianity
Reports alleged that a woman in Zamfara was facing the death penalty for converting to Christianity. PRNigeria‘s fact-check found no evidence of any such prosecution by the Zamfara State Government. The claim lacked substantiation and was deemed false.
9. DSS Receiving Applications for Recruitment
A claim circulated that the Department of State Services (DSS) was receiving applications for recruitment. PRNigeria confirmed that there was no official announcement or recruitment exercise by the DSS at the time. The claim was identified as misinformation.
These fact-checks by PRNigeria highlight the importance of verifying information before accepting or sharing it. In a time where misinformation spreads rapidly, especially through social media and politically charged narratives, credible journalism and fact-checking institutions serve as vital gatekeepers of truth.
PRNigeria’s work in May 2025 underscores how deliberate disinformation can incite fear, manipulate public opinion, and distort national discourse.
As Nigeria grapples with complex social, political, and security challenges, the role of fact-checkers remains more critical than ever in safeguarding public trust and ensuring accountability.
Zekeri Idakwo Laruba is the Assistant Editor PRNigeria and Economic confidential. He can be reached at [email protected]
