The Explainer fake news detectives patrolling cyberspace have apprehended a suspicious news circulating on Whatsapp. The claim in the news is that the Federal Government has begun the disbursement of N30, 000 (thirty thousand Naira) as relief fund to every Nigerian.
“Below is how to claim and get yours (sic) credit instantly as I just did now,” the suspicious material declares. It goes on to provide a very suspicious link and a note, which reads: “You can only claim and get credited and it is limited so get your (sic) now instantly.” To establish the veracity of the claims in this suspicious content, our detectives checked the websites of relevant government agencies and institutions including the Central Bank and the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development.
The Explainer detective checks clearly indicate that there is no such government programming going on through which every Nigerian is being targeted to get N30, 000 as relief funds. Although there are programmes like the Conditional Cash Transfer being anchored by the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development, it is not targeted at every citizen of the country. All indications therefore point to this circulating content as a blatant piece of fake news aimed at deceiving and hoodwinking citizens. The Explainercalls on all social media users who come across this fake news to discountenance it. Beware of fake news, do not spread it; critically assess the claims in the news, and check the sources before believing or sharing.
This fact check to counter fake news is produced through support of the Resource Centre for Human Rights&Civic Education (CHRICED) and Misereor KZE of Germany.
