Fact-check: Has an IT student been arrested for clearing debt for MTN Nigeria users?

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Jeffery Okafor, a Nigerian arrested for the suspected murder of a student in London in 2014, is the person in the photo.

Writer: Nancy Ceasar

A Facebook post published with a picture of a man being arrested by a female and male police officer purporting to show an “IT student who allegedly cleared all MTN users debt has reportedly been arrested,” is a hoax.

The post by Aba Times News, a Nigerian-based news portal, attracted over 70 comments, 200 interactions, and 17 shares at publication. 

The claim is not true, and 211 Check checked it: 

A screenshot of the Facebook post

Also, other sources shared the same picture with the headline, “The IT student who allegedly cleared all MTN users’ debt has reportedly been arrested.”

A screenshot of the picture from a page named Dimples.

Claim Verification:

211 Check carried out a Google Search using  Google Lens on the image and returned several results, which were shared in 2014. Looking at Google Lens search, it shows a case of a murder.

The story was shared on the X/Twitter handle of the Nigerian Police on 5th November 2014.

Media reports indicate that Nigerian police arrested Okafor in September 2014 in Asaba, capital of Delta State, five years after fleeing London and possible prosecution for the 1 August 2009 alleged murder.

A screenshot of the picture on X/Twitter Handle of the Nigerian Police.

Similarly, Information Nigeria shared the same picture on 5 November 2014 on their website, with a headline, “Nigerian police set to extradite UK murder suspect Jeffrey Okafor.”

 A screenshot of the picture as published by Information Nigeria.

On 11 November 2023, MTN Nigeria acknowledged experiencing a system error, resulting in a section of customers receiving error messages indicating their balances had been cleared.

Through a notice on X (formerly Twitter), the company clarified that the incident was a system glitch affecting balance inquiries. They assured customers that all balances would reflect accurate figures once the issue was resolved.

https://x.com/MTNNG/status/1723331652196155474?s=20

Conclusion:

211 Check finds the claim that an IT student was allegedly arrested for clearing the debts of MTN Nigeria users is a hoax. The picture was for a UK suspect who was arrested for a murder case in 2014 in Nigeria.

A publication under 211 Check’s ‘Fact-check for a pay’ Initiative with Support from the International Fact-checking Network through the BUILD grant.

To ensure accuracy and transparency, we at 211 Check welcome corrections from our readers. If you spot an error in this article, please request a correction using this form. Our team will review your request and make the necessary corrections immediately, if any.

It’s vital to fight misinformation and disinformation in the media by avoiding fake news. Don’t share content you’re uncertain about. False information can harm and mislead people, risking their lives—Fact-check before sharing. For more details, visit https://211check.org/ or message us on WhatsApp at +211 917 298 255. #FactsMatter.

Fact-check: An American Chamber of Commerce doesn’t exist in South Sudan

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There is no American Chamber of Commerce in South Sudan.  The Facebook page that claims to offer grants to entrepreneurs and SMEs is illegitimate, trying to get people’s details for selfish use.

Writer: Nancy Ceasar

A Facebook page, “American Chamber of Commerce – South Sudan”, running a sponsored post claiming to offer grants to entrepreneurs and SMEs in South Sudan is a hoax.

The page was created on November 6, 2023, and had 179 likes and 194 followers by the time this article was written. It uses a cover photo of a logo with the symbol of an American flag and a South Sudan flag. 

The page has some other posts, and this particular one, published on November 9, 2023, has an image used by the UNPD South Sudan page. The page in its advertisement offers a link through which it advises people to apply. The link leads to a Google Form.

“We are excited to announce that applications are open following approval and signing of grants by the World Bank and the United Nations Development Programme..,” the post reads partly.”.

Screenshot of the sponsored post on Facebook

Claim Verification:

Given the information on the page and the too-easy-to-believe processes of getting the grants, 211 Check investigated the claim.

A Microsoft Bing Search of  Keywords for “American Chamber of Commerce-South Sudan” did not return relevant results or reports for a legitimate entity of that kind. 

However, the U.S. Department of Commerce issued a business advisory for South Sudan in August 2023, highlighting the growing reputational and financial risks to American businesses and individuals conducting business with companies that have significant ties to South Sudan’s extended transitional government or are controlled by family members of government officials

Search results also returned the South Sudan National Chambers of Commerce, Industry, and Agriculture.  The South Sudan National Chamber of Commerce, Industry, and Agriculture is an umbrella body representing and advocating for the private sector in the Republic of South Sudan.

Its  Facebook page was created on August 13, 2013, and it has 2.3k likes and 2.5k followers. The American Chambers of Commerce South Sudan Page was created on November 6, 2023.

And there are no American chambers of commerce -in South Sudan; rather, there are chambers of commerce in South Sudan.

A screenshot of the Facebook page of the South Sudan National Chambers of Commerce, Industry, and Agriculture

What is an American Chamber of Commerce?

The American Chamber of Commerce is a global business organisation representing small businesses, chambers of commerce, startups, and global corporations. For example, in Egypt, it works towards creating government policies that help businesses run and grow, eliminate bureaucratic barriers, and strengthen America’s economy and global leadership.

Conclusion:

211 Check found the Facebook page soliciting applications for grants to promote trade supporting SMEs and individual businesses is a hoax.

The page recently ran a sponsored post created to solicit applications from unsuspecting Facebook users.

A publication under 211 Check’s ‘Fact-check for a pay’ Initiative with Support from the International Fact-checking Network through the BUILD grant.

To ensure accuracy and transparency, we at 211 Check welcome corrections from our readers. If you spot an error in this article, please request a correction using this form. Our team will review your request and make the necessary corrections immediately, if any.


It’s vital to fight misinformation and disinformation in the media by avoiding fake news. Don’t share content you’re uncertain about. False information can harm and mislead people, risking their lives—Fact-check before sharing. For more details, visit https://211check.org/ or message us on WhatsApp at +211 917 298 255. #FactsMatter.

Fact-check: MTN South Sudan isn’t offering a free 10GB Christmas offer?

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A WhatsApp message claiming that MTN South Sudan is offering a 10 GB free Christmas gift is a hoax.

Writer: Makur Majeng

A message circulating on WhatsApp that claims MTN is offering a 10GB Christmas gift to its customers is a hoax.

“Yello! It’s MTN Christmas Offer. 10GB. Enjoy 10GB Christmas Offer Valid till 31st December,” the WhatsApp message says.

The screenshot of the claim on WhatsApp 

When you click the link in the message, you are directed to a one-page website titled “MTN 10GB CHRISTMAS OFFER.” 

The website prompts users to click a “CLAIM 10GB” button, which then asks for the user’s phone number. 

Regardless of how many times you click, the website informs you that your MTN number is eligible to receive the 10GB Christmas offer.

The screenshot of its web pages

The website then provides instructions to claim the 10GB offer, including sending a message to 12 WhatsApp groups, selecting your phone type, and completing other tasks. However, upon completing these tasks, users are redirected to a different website that provides no information about the MTN Christmas offer.

Claim Verification:

A Google keyword search for the MTN Christmas offer of 10GB yields no official results or information from MTN.

MTN South Sudan, which usually announces such offers through its official social media channels, did not put up such an offer.

211 Check investigation into the URL on Virus Total identified the website as phishing, malicious, and containing malware. This confirms the website’s intent to deceive and collect personal information from users under false pretences.

Conclusion:

211 Check has found the claim that MTN is offering a 10GB Christmas gift false. The website linked in the WhatsApp message is not affiliated with MTN, and it is a phishing scam designed to deceive users and collect personal information.

A publication under 211 Check’s ‘Fact-check for a pay’ Initiative with Support from the International Fact-checking Network through the BUILD grant.

To ensure accuracy and transparency, we at 211 Check welcome corrections from our readers. If you spot an error in this article, please request a correction using this form. Our team will review your request and make the necessary corrections immediately, if any.
It’s vital to fight misinformation and disinformation in the media by avoiding fake news. Don’t share content you’re uncertain about. False information can harm and mislead people, risking their lives—Fact-check before sharing. For more details, visit https://211check.org/ or message us on WhatsApp at +211 917 298 255. #FactsMatter

Fact-check: Mc Lumoex is a South Sudanese singer, not a Ghanaian

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Mc Lumoex has been incorrectly labelled as Ghanaian instead of being recognised as a South Sudanese singer.

Writer: Christopher Luate Obede 

A Facebook post published by Legit.ng Breaking News, featuring an image of a South Sudanese singer, Mc Lumoex, referring to him as a Ghanaian, is false.

Legit.ng Breaking News is a verified Facebook page that describes itself as a modern digital news platform in Nigeria with over 2.8 million followers. “Ghanaian Singer Forced to End Performance Abruptly After Trousers Ripped Apart While on Stage,” it said in its report.

Screenshot of the Facebook post by Legit.ng Breaking News.

Claim Verification:

A reverse image search by 211 Check finds that THE SOUTH AFRICA also published the image’s caption with a video clip shared on Facebook by a South Sudanese blogger, Hot in Juba. 

TUKO.co.ke, a Kenyan digital news outlet, also reported the same incident during performances at the South Theatre Academy Awards at Juba’s Freedom Hall on Friday, 22 December 2023.

Google search for “Mc Lumoex” only returns results with his bio related to South Sudan, not Ghana.

Who is Mc Lumoex?

Mc Lumoex, who said in an interview with the City Review Newspaper that his real name is Isaac Lumori Anthony, is a South Sudanese artist who has recorded several songs. He says that apart from his artistic job, he serves as a network engineer in the field of ICT (Information Communication Technology)

Conclusion:

211 Check finds the claim that Mc Lumoex is a Ghanaian false. The singer is a South Sudanese, based on his online biographical information.

A publication under 211 Check’s ‘Fact-check for a pay’ Initiative with Support from the International Fact-checking Network through the BUILD grant.

To ensure accuracy and transparency, we at 211 Check welcome corrections from our readers. If you spot an error in this article, please request a correction using this form. Our team will review your request and make the necessary corrections immediately, if any.

It’s vital to fight misinformation and disinformation in the media by avoiding fake news. Don’t share content you’re uncertain about. False information can harm and mislead people, risking their lives—Fact-check before sharing. For more details, visit https://211check.org/ or message us on WhatsApp at +211 917 298 255. #FactsMatter

Fact-check: NILEPET staff didn’t write this planned demonstration letter

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Nile Petroleum Corporation (NILEPET) swiftly debunked the letter as fraudulent on their official Facebook page.

Writer: Christopher Luate Obede

A Facebook post published by Sixty 4 Tribes Press, a page that describes itself as an ‘internet company’ on 1 December 2023 with a letter allegedly written by aggrieved NilePet staff about a planned peaceful demonstration, is false.

The letter was also shared and forwarded to WhatsApp groups with the same caption shared on Facebook. “Nile Petroleum Corporation staff had planned for a peaceful demonstration scheduled for Monday, 04 December 2023, at 8:00 am at the Nilepet Headquarters (HQ), Thongping residential area,” the letter read in part. 

Nile Petroleum Corporation, also known as NILEPET, is a national company established with a mandate to participate in the upstream, midstream, and downstream oil and gas activities on behalf of the Government of the Republic of South Sudan. 

A letter allegedly written by aggrieved NilePet staff about a planned demonstration

Claim Verification:

Nile Petroleum Corporation dismissed the published letter with the stamp “fake” by sharing its screenshot on its official Facebook post.

“Nilepet will not hesitate to take the necessary legal action against those who continually use our image and branding to publish content in a negative light,” their Facebook post reads in part.

The company, NILEPET told The City Review Newspaper that the allegations of planned strike were just social media rumours. The news report stated that the staff were going on with their duties, and there was no protest.

Screenshot of the Facebook post by NILEPET.

On the same Facebook page, Sixty 4 Tribes Press published another fake letter claiming that the aggrieved Nile Petroleum staff had called off the protest to first submit their demands to the new chairman of the board of directors.

Conclusion:

211 Check finds a Facebook post with a letter claiming that Nile Petroleum Corporation staff planned for a peaceful demonstration, false.  

The company, on its official Facebook page, Nile Petroleum Corporation and in a news report dismissed the letter as fake.

A publication under 211 Check’s ‘Fact-check for a pay’ Initiative with Support from the International Fact-checking Network through the BUILD grant.

To ensure accuracy and transparency, we at 211 Check welcome corrections from our readers. If you spot an error in this article, please request a correction using this form. Our team will review your request and make the necessary corrections immediately, if any.

It’s vital to fight misinformation and disinformation in the media by avoiding fake news. Don’t share content you’re uncertain about. False information can harm and mislead people, risking their lives—Fact-check before sharing. For more details, visit https://211check.org/ or message us on WhatsApp at +211 917 298 255. #FactsMatter

Fact-check: This picture isn’t of an Olympic stadium design to be built in South Sudan

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This image is of an  Egyptian Olympic Stadium design and not South Sudan.

Writer Doki Simon James 

A Facebook post by Ruweng Eye on 29 September 2023 with the picture of an Olympic City stadium design allegedly to be built in a new administrative capital in South Sudan is false.

The post‘s caption, shared by Ruweng Eye, reads in part, “The stadium’s design was inspired by the South Sudanese Royal necklace. South Sudan aims to become the first African country to host the Olympic Games in 2036.”

This post generated 292 reactions, 47 comments and one share.

The picture of the Olympic Stadium design

Screenshot of the Facebook post published by Ruweng Eye

Claim Verification:

On conducting a Google Reverse Image Search, the picture was found to have been circulated earlier by sports and news websites from across the African continent. These include FootballAfrica on Reddit, African Soccer Updates on Twitter and Basic Sports Network in Nigeria website, all confirming the stadium was built in Egypt and not South Sudan.

On 28 June 2023, FootballAfrica, Basic Sports Network in Nigeria and African Soccer Updates all posted the same image on their official account pages with the below captions:

FootballAfrica on Reddit

“The New Administrative Capital Stadium is almost complete, with an expected capacity of over 94,000 people. It will be the largest stadium in Egypt and the second largest in Africa, and is expected to replace Cairo International Stadium as the new Egyptian National Team stadium.”

Basic Sports Network in Nigeria shared the same picture made  by Sampson Adedeji on their website with the caption “Egypt Set To Complete 2nd Largest Stadium In Africa.”

African Soccer Updates on Twitter 

“The New Administrative Capital Stadium is almost complete, with an expected capacity of over 94,000 people. It will be the largest stadium in Egypt and the second largest in Africa, and is expected to replace Cairo International Stadium as the new Egyptian National Team stadium.”

The post claim made by Ruweng Eye used the flag symbol of Egypt before the name South Sudan, which shows a fabrication of information.

Conclusion:

211 Check finds the claim made by Ruweng Eye of an Olympic stadium being built in a new administrative capital in South Sudan false.

The picture and the text claims were of a new national stadium currently under construction in Cairo, Egypt, with an expected completion date in 2024.

A publication under 211 Check’s ‘Fact-check for a pay’ Initiative with Support from the International Fact-checking Network through the BUILD grant.

To ensure accuracy and transparency, we at 211 Check welcome corrections from our readers. If you spot an error in this article, please request a correction using this form. Our team will review your request and make the necessary corrections immediately, if any.

It’s vital to fight misinformation and disinformation in the media by avoiding fake news. Don’t share content you’re uncertain about. False information can harm and mislead people, risking their lives—Fact-check before sharing. For more details, visit https://211check.org/ or message us on WhatsApp at +211 917 298 255. #FactsMatter

Fact-check: This photo of muddy shoes wasn’t originally taken in Juba

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This image is from Kenya and not from Juba, South Sudan.

Writer Doki Simon James

A Facebook post published by Juba Eye on 7 November 2023 displaying a pair of gumboots and shoes with muddy soil particles allegedly from Juba is false.

Juba is the capital city of South Sudan.

“Hunting down side chicks in Juba on rainy days is never easy,” the post caption reads. This post attracted 362 reactions, 26 comments and five shares.

Screenshot of the Facebook Claim by Juba Eye

Claim Verification:

Upon conducting a Google Reverse Image Search, the same picture was found to have been circulated earlier on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram accounts from Kenya with varying locations, dates and claims.

On 05 November 2023, the picture was shared by Miss Smiles on Twitter with no caption but tagged #Solfest23, another Kenyan-based Twitter account. On the same date, it was posted on  Facebook by Qmax Media,  a Kenyan-based digital creator, with the caption in Kiswahili, “Na tulikua tuma-warn Kweli hii mvua imezidi”

On 06 November 2023, the Picture was shared on Instagram by gukenafmkenya with the caption, “Weather of 2🤣🤣 Ndikunyitwo ni homa nie😂”

In all the above posts, the photo has been used for humour.

Conclusion:

211 Check finds that the picture of muddy shoes published in a Facebook post by Juba Eye, allegedly from Juba in South Sudan, is false. 

The picture’s origin can be traced to social media posts from Kenya.

A publication under 211 Check’s ‘Fact-check for a pay’ Initiative with Support from the International Fact-checking Network through the BUILD grant.

To ensure accuracy and transparency, we at 211 Check welcome corrections from our readers. If you spot an error in this article, please request a correction using this form. Our team will review your request and make the necessary corrections immediately, if any.

It’s vital to fight misinformation and disinformation in the media by avoiding fake news. Don’t share content you’re uncertain about. False information can harm and mislead people, risking their lives—Fact-check before sharing. For more details, visit https://211check.org/ or message us on WhatsApp at +211 917 298 255. #FactsMatter