The Nigerian Senate directs ONSA and DSS to probe social media false reports alleging Godswill Akpabio’s death in London

The Nigerian Senate has instructed the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) and the Department of State Services (DSS) to investigate the origin of viral social media reports claiming that Senate President Godswill Akpabio had died in a London hospital.

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Senator Titus Zam, representing Benue North-West, raised the matter during Tuesday’s plenary, describing the reports as “dangerous and damaging” to the nation’s leadership.

“I am raising this motion due to the social media reportage that alluded to the fact that Mr. Senate President died in a London hospital,” Zam said.

“This is a very serious matter; the number three citizen in Nigeria; such reports about your person and your office need to be investigated.”

Zam noted that the spread of false death reports had become a recurring issue, citing recent similar claims about former head of state, General Yakubu Gowon.

“It’s not only you that was reported in this negative manner; the former head of state, General Yakubu Gowon, was equally reported a few days ago to have died. This is not a good report about the leaders of our country,” he said.

Calling for swift action, Zam urged that sanctions be imposed on the promoters of such misinformation to deter future occurrences.

“There is an urgent need to not just investigate, but to punish the promoters of such negative news about the leaders of this country. When sanctions are meted out, it will serve as a deterrent,” he said.

Zam added that perpetrators could be traced through their digital footprints. “The social media promoters of negative information can be traced and they’ll be punished,” he emphasised.