No, it is not a legitimate page for an institution but was created by scammers for malicious activity online.
Writer: Beatrice Amude Paulino
A Facebook page called Professions2 ran a sponsored advertisement on August 7, 2024, claiming that there are free online courses that may run for four weeks. After completion, trainees will be issued degree certificates and computers.
Screenshot of the Facebook page
211 Check Investigation
211Check has observed that there is no authentic website or name of an institution that is responsible for the offer, and page transparency shows that it was created on June 3rd, 2024. The claim posted a malicious and phishing link that directs a user to share his or her personal information like name, contacts, address, and others.
Screenshot of the claim
Conclusion:
211Check found out that the Facebook post claiming free online courses for students in 2024 is false and misleading, and the page is not related to any institution, whether public or private. The page has no official address or contact information associated with it.
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 +211 921 350 435. #FactsMatter.
https://211check.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/211-Check-Website-Feature-Image-Graphics-8.png6281200211 Checkhttps://211check.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/211Check_logo-1-300x120.png211 Check2024-08-21 12:02:422024-08-21 12:02:48Fact-check: Is this Profession2 Facebook page with free online courses legitimate?
The photo, which is being used on social media with a claim that a snake has swallowed an AK-47 rifle in Gudele Juba suburb, is an artwork made of rubber by Russian artist Vasily Slonov in 2019.
Writer: Makur Majeng
A Facebook post claiming that a snake swallowed an AK47 in Gudele, a residential area in Juba, South Sudan, is false and misleading.
The claim purported a big-size black viper (snake) swallowed the firearm of an unknown gunman terrorising Gudele, one of the largest suburb areas in the capital Juba, South Sudan.
“A black big-size Viper swallowed a firearm belonging to unknown gunman known for terrorizing Gudele suburb in the capital Juba.
Ngundeng Böng oyeeeeee,” Phow Radio FM Facebook page post reads.
The screenshot of the Facebook post
The photo was earlier posted by The 211 Magazine on June 28, 2020, with the caption “Snake swallows AK-47. What would you do if you’re the owner of the assault rifle?”
It was also posted by Hrock Chidi‘s Facebook page on August 29, 2019, with the statement, “Snake swallowed Nigerian Army rifle in Borno State. Look at the evil going on in that country.. We must continue”.
Claim Verification:
211 Check found that the photo of the snake-like figure that is viral on social media has been posted as artwork for sale on several art websites.
Using a reverse image search, it was found that the artwork was featured on Artsy.net in 2019 and is made of rubber. Additionally, the image has been trending online since 2019 and has no connection to South Sudan, as indicated by various image search engines, including Google, Yandex, and Bing. Furthermore, the information has been fact-checked and verified across multiple sources, here, here, here, and here.
Google Fact-check tool shows that four different fact-checking organisations have fact-checked it to be an artwork, not a real snake.
Conclusion:
211 Check has found that the photo going viral on social media is not of a real snake but of a rubber artwork by Russian artist Vasily Slonov. This artwork is called “Python-AK,” made of rubber, and was created in 2019.
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 +211 921 350 435. #FactsMatter
https://211check.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/211-Check-Website-Feature-Image-Graphics-6.png6281200211 Checkhttps://211check.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/211Check_logo-1-300x120.png211 Check2024-08-19 10:10:052024-08-19 15:28:49Fact-check: The image depicting a snake swallowing a gun in Gudele is a fabricated work of art by a Russian artist
The WhatsApp message about the National Election Commission staff recruitment is false and misleading. The NEC did not advertise any new job vacancies for recruitment.
Writter: Makur Majeng
A WhatsApp message widely shared in groups purportedly to be from the South Sudan National Election Commission (NEC) is a scam.
The claim purported that NEC has opened a recruitment portal to recruit new staff personnel, citing the availability of vacancies due to the upcoming election.
“NEC STAFF RECRUITMENT 2024. The National Elections Commission of South Sudan (NEC) has opened an application portal to recruit new workers to fill the various available positions against the upcoming election. Application is free for all interested citizens and employment has already started. Don’t miss this great opportunity. Click on the link below to apply now. APPLY NOW👇” reads the WhatsApp message.
The screenshot of the WhatsApp message
The screenshot of the first webpage
When a user clicks on the provided link, it requires a user to enter their personal information, such as name, phone number, email, date of birth, and gender. Then it will prompt him or her to click the “CONTINUE” button to go to the next webpage. After clicking on the continue button, it asks a user to choose his/her age group, between 18-25, 25-35, and 35-45 years, and click on the “APPLY NOW” button.
The screenshot of where it asks users to click on APPLY
However, after choosing the age group, it will instruct a user to follow the instructions carefully to submit his/her application successfully.
After following this step, a user would be informed that his/her application was successful, with a promise of Short Messaging Service (SMS) confirmation.
Upon clicking prompts for application status, printing a PDF, or submitting, a user will be taken to a different phishing website.
The screenshot of the last two web pages of the website
Claim Verification:
The domain lookup of the claim URL shows that the website was registered in 2000, and the domain will expire in 2025.
The screenshot of the WHOIS domain search
However, on the contrary, NEC does not have an online website or portal for the recruitment process, and further analysis of the claim URL by VirusTotal flagged it as malware and suspicious links.
A press release issued by NEC on Wednesday debunked the claim as false and misleading rumours.
“The National Election Commission (NEC) has become aware of several false and misleading rumours circulating on social media that NEC has opened an application portal regarding staff recruitment. These rumours are completely unfounded and do not reflect [the] recruitment processes and procedures of NEC,” reads part of the press release issued by NEC to debunk the claim.
“NEC staff recruitment follows established transparent and fair practices. All vacancies are publicly advertised through official NEC communication channels as well as major national media outlets. We urge the public to rely only on official information published by NEC regarding its recruitment and other activities,” it added.
Conclusion:
211 Check found out that the WhatsApp message claim that NEC is recruiting staff in 2024 is false and misleading.
The National Election Commission did not advertise any new job vacancies, and it refuted the claim while stating that their vacancy advertisements are placed on authorised channels.
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 +211 921 350 435. #FactsMatter
https://211check.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/211-Check-Website-Feature-Image-Graphics-5.png6281200211 Checkhttps://211check.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/211Check_logo-1-300x120.png211 Check2024-08-15 16:10:232024-08-15 16:10:25Fact-check: No, the National Election Commission is not recruiting new staff as claimed
No, for the 2023 academic year, the South Sudan National Examinations Council has shifted from a numerical percentage grading system to a letter grading system.
Writer: Makur Majeng
The South Sudan National Examinations Council results for the 2023 Certificate of Secondary Education were not based on a numerical percentage grading system but rather letter grading, contrary to a Facebook post claim posted online on August 8th, 2024 with a list of the top 10 best students from different schools.
The page, together with another Facebook page called Pesahiko Media, claimed that the best student from Darling Wisdom Secondary School in Juba scored 72.2% as the overall performer in the senior four examinations.
“S.4 results-2023-2024…congratulations to the top ten students nationwide,” the part of the Facebook post.
The screenshot of the Facebook post
The screenshot of the Facebook post
However, Nimule Media’s Facebook page claimed that the best student scored 90.1%, disputing the above two pages’ claim.
The screenshot of the claim
Claim Verification:
The South Sudan National Examinations Council released the Certificate of Secondary Education senior four results for the academic year 2023/2024 on August 8th, 2024.
In a press release, while announcing the result, the National Examinations Council stated that the grading has shifted from the numerical percentage to the letter grade system.
“As required by the new curriculum objectives, the Council has successfully implemented a letter grading system. This is the result of thorough deliberation and input from numerous parties. The National Examinations Council agreed to switch from numerical percentage grades to letter grades,” reads part of the press.
Context
For the 2023 academic year, 45,666 candidates registered for the examinations in 500 schools around the country, with 28,038 males and 16,628 females, according to the Ministry of Education and Instruction.
However, according to the press release, only 44,131 candidates were graded, with 27,897 male and 16,234 female, amounting to 63.2% and 36.8%, respectively, while the rest did not turn up for the exams or were involved in cheating cases and other malpractices that disqualified them from grading.
Therefore, out of 44,131 also, 26,440 candidates, with 16,633 male and 9,807 female candidates, obtained a mean grade of C plain and above, which qualified them for university entry. But 17,692 with 11,264 male and 6,427 female candidates failed the examinations.
In the academic year 2022, the grading was based on a numerical-based percentage system, but this year, the Ministry of Education changed the grading system to align with the new curriculum goals and objectives.
“In alignment with the demand of the new curriculum objectives, the National Examinations Council effectively decided to transition from using the numerical percentage grades to letter grades. This is in line with the implementation of the competence-based curriculum goals and objectives,” the press release added.
Numerical Grading vs. Letter Grading
The numerical grading system gives a 100% scale percentage score, with 100 being the highest and 49% below being the lowest, while a letter grading system grades based on a letter representation from A to E, with A being the highest grade and E being the lowest.
Conclusion:
211 Check has found that the South Sudan National Examinations Council has changed the grading system from numerical percentage to letter grading system for the 2023 academic year certificate of secondary education.
The Facebook post claim showing the results for the 2023 certificate of secondary education with a list of the top ten best students graded in numerical percentage is false and misleading.
The Ministry of Education and Instruction has changed the grading from a numerical to a letter grading system, and the Examination Council’s press release did not include a list of the top 10 best students.
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 +211 921 350 435. #FactsMatter
https://211check.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/211-Check-Website-Feature-Image-Graphics-4.png6281200211 Checkhttps://211check.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/211Check_logo-1-300x120.png211 Check2024-08-14 14:21:092024-08-14 14:57:47Fact-check: Did the South Sudan National Examinations Council results for 2023 base on numerical grading?
Fact-check: No, South University of Medicine is not offering free online courses.
The South University of Medicine, Science, and Technology has debunked that the Facebook page is unrelated and the university is not offering online courses.
Author: Makur Majeng
A sponsored Facebook post claiming that the South University of Medicine, Science, and Technology is offering free online courses is a hoax and misleading.
The course offer, which targets people aged 18 to 55 years old, claimed that degree certificates will be issued after passing examinations.
“Starting from August 5, 2024, all South Sudanese can participate in the online courses of the University of South Sudan for free, and degree certificates will be issued after passing the exams, including foreigners. 18-55 years old,” reads the Hope Space Facebook page post.
The post has gained over 1,400 likes, 199 comments, and 21 shares since its publication.
The screenshot of the Facebook post.
Upon clicking the link provided in the Facebook post, it sends a user to a webpage to select the course of his or her choice.
If a user selects any of the courses provided on the web interface, it will prompt him or her to tap on the “Visit Website” button.
A screenshot of the web pages of the fake website
However, if the green button is clicked, it will automatically redirect to a different website. called Reed Courses.
The screenshot of the webpage interface to which users are redirected.
Claim Verification:
211 Check contacted the South University of Medicine, Science, and Technology for comment via their official Facebook page, and they responded that the university does not offer online courses.
“The page [Hope Space] is not ours; we don’t offer online courses. Be alert for scammers. The logo is ours, but we don’t offer online courses,” reads a response from the South University of Medicine, Science & Technology.
211 Check has identified the Facebook post purporting that the South University of Medicine, Science, and Technology provides free online courses as deceptive and fraudulent.
The university is not affiliated with the Facebook page and is intended to deceive and scam people.
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 +211 921 350 435. #FactsMatter
https://211check.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/211-Check-Website-Feature-Image-Graphics-2.png6281200211 Checkhttps://211check.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/211Check_logo-1-300x120.png211 Check2024-08-12 11:39:232024-08-12 14:24:59Fact-check: No, South University of Medicine is not offering free online courses
No, it is a hoax; neither the South Sudan Ministry of General Education nor its affiliates have announced this.
Writer: Makur Majeng
A sponsored Facebook post claiming to offer free online courses with approval from the Ministry of Education is a hoax. The page called Knowledge Language Information claimed that registration for August 2024 has been opened for 1,000 online courses, including free laptops and job referrals.
The page shared graphics bearing the map of South Sudan and the link to apply for the online courses.
“From July 2024, you can study 10 online courses approved by the South Sudan Ministry of Education for free. Includes free learning materials. 1,000 free online courses. Laptops provided for free. And job referral. Apply Now,”the sponsored Facebook post reads.
The screenshot of the Facebook post.
Upon clicking the link provided in the Facebook post, it sends a user to a webpage to select the course of his or her choice.
A screenshot of the webpage bearing the list of courses.
If a user selects any of the courses provided on the web interface, it will prompt him or her to tap on the “Visit Website” button. However, if the green button is clicked, it will automatically redirect to a different website.
The screenshot of its webpage
The page transparency shows that it was created on August 24, 2023
“We don’t have any affiliation with [the] online Facebook page [Knowledge Language Information], and please stay away from such claims. The Ministry of General Education hasn’t announced anything related to free course (s) with the benefit of job referral after completion, among other things,” reads a response from the Ministry of General Education and Instruction.
Earlier, a similar claim about the University of Juba offering free courses was debunked as false in January this year.
A WHOIS domain search for the claimed domain shows that the website was registered on February 6, 2024, and will expire on February 6, 2025, and it appears that the domain address is not legitimate.
A screenshot of the WHOIS domain for the claim.
Conclusion:
211 Check has found out that the Facebook post claiming that the South Sudan Ministry of Education is offering free online courses is a hoax and misleading.
The Facebook page is not affiliated with the Ministry of Education, and it is designed to scam individuals.
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 +211 921 350 435. #FactsMatter
https://211check.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/211-Check-Website-Feature-Image-Graphics.png6281200211 Checkhttps://211check.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/211Check_logo-1-300x120.png211 Check2024-08-09 11:43:142024-08-13 14:12:52Fact-check: Did the Ministry of General Education announce free online courses?
A WhatsApp message claiming that TikTok is offering free 30GB for all networks as part of its sixth-anniversary celebration is a scam unrelated to TikTok.
Writer: Makur Majeng
A WhatsApp message being widely forwarded in groups claiming that TikTok is giving away 30GB of free data to all networks is a scam.
“Congratulations to all TikTokers, Free 30GB (All networks) valid for 60 days in Celebration of TikTok’s 6th Anniversary. I Have Received Mine,” the WhatsApp message reads.
The screenshot of the WhatsApp message
When a user clicks on the link, the Uniform Resource Locator (URL), it directs him or her to the “CLICK HERE” button where it provides a dialogue bar to insert a phone number to qualify and activate a free 30GB data plan for two months.
The screenshot of the webpage “Click Here”
The screenshot of where it asks the users to enter their phone number.
After entering a phone number, a website page appears with a congratulatory message to a user, claiming that the number is qualified for a free 30GB data plan valid for two months.
Besides, for a user to receive the free offer, the claim directs a user to click the “WhatsApp” button while conditioning a user to share the information with 12 friends or groups on WhatsApp, before the data bundle plan is received within five minutes.
The screenshot of the webpages of the fake website.
If a user successfully finishes sharing the information with 12 friends or groups, it then prompts the user to click “VERIFY NOW.”
The screenshot of the fake web page interface.
Claim Verification:
A Google keyword search for “Free 30GB TikTok offer for all networks” returned a similar claim which was fact-checked and proved to be a hoax.
A Whois domain lookup reveals that the website was registered on September 4th, 2023, with an expiration date of August 4th, 2025.
The screenshot of the claim website’s whois domain
However, the TikTok website Whois domain lookup shows that it was registered on July 21st, 1996 with an expiration date of July 20th, 2025
The screenshot of the TikTok Whois domain lookup.
211 Check analysed the claim URL using the Virus Total tool and revealed that it is phishing and malware.
Conclusion:
211 Check found that a WhatsApp message claiming that TikTok is offering free 30GB is a hoax. The website URL provided in the WhatsApp message is not related to TikTok since the Whois lookup data is different.
The claim is a phishing scam intended to trick users into gathering their personal information like contact details.
The claim is a long-running hoax that keeps resurfacing online. It has been doing rounds for about four years since at least 2021, and 211 Check earlier debunked here and PesaCheck here.
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 +211 921 350 435. #FactsMatter
https://211check.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/211-Check-Website-Graphic.png6281200211 Checkhttps://211check.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/211Check_logo-1-300x120.png211 Check2024-08-08 10:45:292024-08-08 13:42:04Fact-check: TikTok’s free 30GB for its sixth anniversary is a hoax
Former South African President Thabo Mbeki is alive, his foundation has said, despite false reports about his death being circulated on various websites.
Writer: Kei Emmanuel
News circulating on websites about the death of former and second South African President Thabo Mbeki is false.
The false news was first published on Nigerian-based sites National Waves and The Discoverer on the afternoon of Wednesday, 03rd January 2024.
The Discoverer News Agency alleges that Mbeki died of a short illness at the age of 74 on Tuesday morning while receiving treatment in a hospital. This shortly led to his Wikipedia page being edited to reflect his current status.
The Thabo Mbeki Foundation, in the statement, confirmed that the former Head of State is alive and in good health; however, it cautioned the public against consuming fake news in the digital period.
“We deny those reports and wish to assure the public that President Mbeki is alive and healthy. Therefore, we urge caution and responsible engagement with online media information, particularly when misinformation can spread rapidly,” states the letter.
The press release by the Thabo Mbeki Foundation
After the Thabo Mbeki Foundation issued the statement, several South Africans and other media users worldwide are now calling for tougher actions against individuals spreading false news.
Thabo Mbeki served as President of South Africa for ten years after the post-apartheid era, taking over from Nelson Mandela in 1999 till 2008. During his regime, Mbeki played a key role in South Africa’s economic transformation and post-apartheid stability, his Britannica bio says.
This is not the first time Mbeki has been pronounced dead, in 2021, during the COVID-19 pandemic, News24 ran an article that was widely circulated on WhatsApp platforms, perpetuating his death.
Conclusion:
211 Check finds news circulating on social media and other websites that the former and second President of South Africa, Thabo Mbeki, is dead, false.
His foundation says the Former president Thabo Mbeki is alive, well and in good health, contrary to online reports that he has died.
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, visithttps://211check.org/or message us on WhatsApp at +211 917 298 255. #FactsMatters.
https://211check.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Fact-check-Former-South-African-President-Thabo-Mbeki-is-alive.png6281200211 Checkhttps://211check.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/211Check_logo-1-300x120.png211 Check2024-01-04 13:46:102024-01-04 13:46:16Fact-check: Former South African President Thabo Mbeki is alive
There is no evidence to support this statistical claim, as the photos of the New Year celebration event show that Yei Freedom Square was not fully packed.
Writer: Emmanuel Bida
Yei River County Commissioner Aggrey Cyrus Kanyikwa claimed in a Facebook post on 1 January 2024 that 50,000 people attended the New Year celebration on the Yei Freedom Square grounds, but the figure is unproven.
“Yei Come back testimony today at Yei Freedom Square. Over 50,000 people gathered to enjoy the South Sudan cultural diversity of traditional dances,” Aggrey’s original post partly reads.
Screenshot of the original Facebook post
About an hour later, the post was edited to include the phrase, “…Others dwelled on the streets due to insufficient space.”
The edit was done shortly after social media users raised concerns about the capacity of Yei Freedom Square and its ability to take 50,000 people.
“Yei Freedom Square is too small to accommodate over 50,000 people,” Beke Thomas John commented. “How did you arrive at the 50,000 people? Is any counting conducted?” asks James Bob.
Screenshot of the Facebook post’s edit history.
Claim Verification:
Yei River County Commissioner Aggrey Cyrus Kanyikwa says the Yei Freedom Square measures 130 meters by 83 meters, making it 10,790 square meters. That means if every person present were to occupy a 1-meter square, there would be over 10,790 people. “The capacity of the Freedom Square was meant to contain 10,000 people,” he said.
211 Check used MapChecking, a crowd-counting tool that helps estimate and fact-check the maximum number of people standing in a given area to determine Yei Freedom Square‘s light, crowded, and packed capacities.
The tool says that 1.50 people per sqm (~10 sqft) would hold 20,038 people, estimated at a light capacity, 2.00 people per sqm (~10 sqft) would hold 26,718 people, estimated at a crowded capacity, and 4.00 people per sqm (~10 sqft) would hold 53436 total estimated packed.
1.50 people per sqm (~10 sqft), 20038 estimated total capacity
2.00 people per sqm (~10 sqft), 26718 estimated total capacity
4.00 people per sqm (~10 sqft), 53436 estimated total capacity
A look at the photos of the New Year event at Yei Freedom Square also shows that it wasn’t fully packed, but there are angles the pictures could have been taken from.
In this photo, a vehicle was packed inside Freedom Square, which wouldn’t be possible if it was fully packed.
Screenshot of a photo shared on Facebook of the New Year celebration at Yei Freedom Square
Conclusion:
211 Check finds the claim that over 50,000 people were at Yei Freedom Square on the New Year celebration unproven. There is no evidence to support this statistical claim, as the photos of the New Year celebration event show that the Yei Freedom Square was not filled.
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. #FactsMatters.
https://211check.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Yei-Freedom-Square-was-not-fully-packed.png6281200211 Checkhttps://211check.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/211Check_logo-1-300x120.png211 Check2024-01-02 15:58:582024-01-04 16:05:19Fact-check: Over 50,000 people at Yei Freedom Square? The figure is unproven
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.
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.
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.
https://211check.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/httpsperma.ccC9UN-G8WU.png6281200211 Checkhttps://211check.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/211Check_logo-1-300x120.png211 Check2023-12-30 16:37:272023-12-30 16:37:33Fact-check: Has an IT student been arrested for clearing debt for MTN Nigeria users?
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Because these cookies are strictly necessary to deliver the website, refusing them will have impact how our site functions. You always can block or delete cookies by changing your browser settings and force blocking all cookies on this website. But this will always prompt you to accept/refuse cookies when revisiting our site.
We fully respect if you want to refuse cookies but to avoid asking you again and again kindly allow us to store a cookie for that. You are free to opt out any time or opt in for other cookies to get a better experience. If you refuse cookies we will remove all set cookies in our domain.
We provide you with a list of stored cookies on your computer in our domain so you can check what we stored. Due to security reasons we are not able to show or modify cookies from other domains. You can check these in your browser security settings.
Other external services
We also use different external services like Google Webfonts, Google Maps, and external Video providers. Since these providers may collect personal data like your IP address we allow you to block them here. Please be aware that this might heavily reduce the functionality and appearance of our site. Changes will take effect once you reload the page.
Google Webfont Settings:
Google Map Settings:
Google reCaptcha Settings:
Vimeo and Youtube video embeds:
Privacy Policy
You can read about our cookies and privacy settings in detail on our Privacy Policy Page.
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211 Check Website Graphics
211 Check Website Graphics
211 Check Website Graphics
211 Check Website Graphics
211 Check Graphics
