Chioma Iruke

Abuja

Freelance Journalist , Fact-Checker at Freelance

Fact Checker at Centre for Democracy and Development

Journalist, Fact-Checker, AWiM fellow 2023. All Opinions are mine😶‍🌫️

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Articles

The Politicization of Fact-Checking

2 months ago | republic.com.ng | Chioma Iruke

Photo illustration by Dami Mojid / THE REPUBLIC. THE MINISTRY OF WORLD AFFAIRSPhoto illustration by Dami Mojid / THE REPUBLIC. THE MINISTRY OF WORLD AFFAIRSAlthough fact-checking has gained traction for its use in debunking misinformation, it has not succeeded in countering cognitive biases or conspiracy theories. Its effectiveness ultimately hinges on the willingness of individuals to engage with opposing viewpoints and reevaluate their beliefs.
The Politics of Hate Speech in Nigerian Elections

Oct 1, 2024 | cddwestafrica.org | Chioma Iruke

Nigeria is a multi-ethnic country with over 200 indigenous languages. Although this diversity is a source of pride, it has also caused rifts rooted in ethnic divides, with some dating back to pre-colonial times. The 1967-70 civil war did not made the case any better. It deepened these divisions, which remain evident during elections. These ethnic divisions permeate not just national politics but also interstate dynamics.
FACT CHECK: Did Obaseki try bribing INEC with $ 5 million as claimed on Facebook?

Sep 22, 2024 | cddfactcheck.org | Chioma Iruke

A Facebook user Alabi Arvin over the weekend alleged that the governor of Edo state Godwin Obaseki attempted bribing the Independent Electoral Commission (INEC) with five million dollars ($5 million). According to the user, the INEC boss rejected the money. Verdict: NO EvidenceVerificationIt was reported that Obaseki had in the wee hours of Sunday, September 22, 2024, arrived at the head office of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in the State.
Video of APC chieftain threatening to destroy ballot papers where PDP wins in Oredo true?

Sep 21, 2024 | cddfactcheck.org | Chioma Iruke

A video of APC chieftain Egogo Emmanuel threatening to destroy ballot papers in polling units where PDP wins has gone viral. The video which has been shared multiple times shows Egogo stating that in any polling unit PDP where PDP wins, in Ward 9, Oredo LGA, he would destroy the ballot box. Verdict: TRUECDD spoke with a Soldier of Mouth who confirmed the incident. However, the APC chieftain has not carried out his threat.
False Facebook Ad Targeting Kadaria Ahmed?

Sep 5, 2024 | cddfactcheck.org | Chioma Iruke

A Facebook ad by the page “Unión Patriótica Córdoba” featured a doctored image of Kadaria Ahmed, a prominent Nigerian journalist and CEO of RadioNow, depicted in a jail uniform with a battered face. The ad mimicked the style of a news report from Vanguard newspaper, a prominent Nigerian media outlet, falsely suggesting that Ahmed had broken the law with her statements.
FACT CHECK: Were protesters in Kano holding the Russian flag?

Aug 4, 2024 | cddfactcheck.org | Chioma Iruke

Over the weekend, viral images and videos from Kano state showed protesters carrying flags that appeared to be Russian. This sparked controversy, with various persons condemning their action. One of those who weighed in on the issue is the former presidential aide Bashir Ahmed. Various media outlets reported the action with many reports attributing the flags to Russia.
FACT CHECK: Ekpa’s false claims of foreign backing debunked

Jul 13, 2024 | blueprint.ng | Chioma Iruke

For several years, the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), a secessionist movement seeking the establishment of a Biafran state carved out of Nigeria’s South-East, has actively sought to claim international support to apply pressure on Nigeria to concede to their requests. This movement, which was latent for decades after the Civil War (1967-70), has since become more vocal and present since 1999 – when Nigeria retuned to democracy.
The Role of Fact-Checkers in Nigerian Media

Jun 12, 2024 | cddwestafrica.org | Chioma Iruke

In August 2014, Nigerians were in a state of quandary due to the Ebola outbreak. While there were eight recorded casualties , two died because of the wave of information disorder surrounding the disease. A student started a broadcast message, asking people to bath with salt water, which circulated widely on social media. Unfortunately, within hours, the hoax message started trending online and eventually led to the hospitalisation of about 20 other people.
CDD's recent report unveils 24 terrorist cells in Katsina as The Sun claims?

Feb 9, 2024 | cddfactcheck.org | Chioma Iruke

A news article emanating from The Sun claimed that a United Nations and Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD) research report unveiled 24 terrorist cells in Katsina as well as named their leaders. The news report which was published on January 25, 2023, also stated that the state had a total of 2,295 terrorists with Damburun having 385 terrorists populating the forest camp located in Kankara Local Government Area.
Did Kogi State Traders Protest Against Tinubu Government

Feb 9, 2024 | cddfactcheck.org | Chioma Iruke

During the week, social media and the internet have been afloat with reports of protests against hardship from the government of President Tinubu of Nigeria. According to the trending reports, the protest was carried out by market women and men who protested the increasing prices of goods which has also affected patronage of their businesses. Claim: Traders protest against Tinubu Government in Kogi?