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News anchor makes false claim about commissioning status of Kugbo Bus Terminal

Zainab ABDULRASAQ
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News anchor makes false claim about commissioning status of Kugbo Bus Terminal

A News anchor, Vimbai Mutinhiri, has claimed that the Kugbo Bus Terminal in Abuja has not been commissioned.

She said this on Thursday, April 9, during the Arise TV morning show, following a severe rainstorm and flood that ruined properties in Abuja.

She said:

“The climate and the environment has changed, but what grabbed my attention was the fact that there was a Kugbo bus terminal which was also destroyed by some of that heavy wind and heavy rainfall, and this is a bus terminal that’s yet to be commissioned.”

“…One of those, you know, trade mark infrastructure projects by the Minister of the FCT, Nyesome Wike. You know, we thank God it hadn’t been commissioned yet because that would have been a real catastrophe.” Vimbai stressed.

READ:Video of Tinubu praising Wike not related to FCT Minister–Naval officer clash

CLAIM

The Kugbo Bus Terminal in Abuja has not been commissioned.

Screenshot of the Arise News TV on YouTube at the time the statement was made.

FINDINGS

Findings by The FactCheckHub show that the statement is FALSE.

A search  by The FactCheckHub revealed that the terminal was officially commissioned in June 2025. It was part of a N51 billion contract approved in May 2024 for the constructions of three major terminals: Kugbo, Mabushi, and the Central Business District in Abuja.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, represented by the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas,  commissioned the Kugbo Bus and International Taxi Terminal on Thursday, June 26, 2025.

READ ALSO:Abia state did not launch Nigeria’s first electric bus system!

The ceremony was also attended by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, who oversaw the project’s completion by the contractor, Planet Projects Limited.

On Tuesday, April 7, 2026, a windstorm damaged parts of the bus terminal, ripping off sections of the roof and scattering debris along the Kugbo–Nyanya road.

The project was executed by the Federal Capital Territory Development Agency under the Ministry of the Federal Capital Territory.

Although the terminal remains inactive and is not expected to be operational until 2026, it had already been officially commissioned in June 2025.

VERDICT

The claim that the Kugbo Bus Terminal has not been commissioned is FALSE. Publicly available records confirm the terminal was commissioned on June 26, 2025.

No, video does not show crowd welcoming Malami in Kebbi

Zainab ABDULRASAQ
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No, video does not show crowd welcoming Malami in Kebbi

A viral video circulating on social media claims that the Malami is seen celebrated by a massive crowd in Birnin Kebbi following his release from detention.

The post alleges that the footage shows Malami’s first visit to his state after his release.

A verified X user, @LadanSalihu1 shared the footage on April 7, 2026, with the caption:

“Malami displays capacity in Birnin Kebbi. His 1st visit after release from detention.”

As of April 8, the post has garnered over 110,000 views, 2,000 likes and 376 reposts. With doubts littering the comment section, and commenters doubt the credibility of the post.

READ: No, photo does not show Malami’s recent Umrah trip amid probe

CLAIM

The post claims that former Attorney-General, Abubakar Malami, was celebrated by a massive crowd in Birnin Kebbi following his release from detention.

A screenshot of the claim.
A screenshot of the claim.

FINDINGS

Findings by The FactCheckHub show that the claim is MISLEADING.

The video does not depict the arrival of Malami to his home state. Instead, the footage shows Major General Aminu Bande, the 2023 People’s Democratic Party (PDP) gubernatorial candidate for Kebbi State. All Fact Newspaper also shared the footage stating that the video was from Bande’s campaign held in 2023.

READ ALSO: Malami joins Nigerians to defy ban, access Twitter using VPN

The video recirculated because on April 6, 2026, Bande officially defected from the PDP to the African Democratic Congress (ADC). This political move was widely reported by notable media outlets.

It was falsely attributed to Malami who was eyeing Kebbi governorship but currently facing money laundering charges. He was arraigned together with his wife, Hajia Bashir Asabe, and his son, Abubakar Abdulaziz in December 2025 by Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in the Federal High Court, Abuja.

The ICIR reported that Malami served as the AGF from 2015 to 2023 under the late President Muhammadu Buhari, where he was an influential figure in the cabinet and a central actor in several major legal and political decisions.

The crowd in the video was celebrating Bande, not Malami’s release.

VERDICT

The claim that the video shows Abubakar Malami being celebrated in Birnin Kebbi after his release from detention is MISLEADING. It is an old footage of Bande’s campaign, which went viral again following his recent defection to the ADC.

Viral video of armoured vehicle at INEC headquarters is AI-generated

Nurudeen Akewushola
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Viral video of armoured vehicle at INEC headquarters is AI-generated

A video circulating on social media claims to show a two-turret armoured vehicle and other military trucks moving toward the headquarters of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Abuja.

The 10-second clip shows soldiers on an armoured vehicle driving past a signpost labelled “INEC Headquarters.”

A Facebook account, Kabiru Ibrahim Dankasa posted the video with a caption: 

“Pres Tinubu deploys tanks to the INEC Headquarters following the threat of an ADC protest, but fails to deploy tanks to protect the people of Jos.”

The post has generated over 6,800 likes and more than 800 likes.

An X user, @SadiqMaunde, shared the video with the caption:
“See what Tinubu deployed to INEC office!”

As of the time of review, the post had generated over 2,000 likes, 560 reposts, and more than 300 quote posts.

CLAIM

The video shows military deployment of armoured vehicles to INEC headquarters in Abuja.

screenshot of the viral video

THE FINDINGS

Findings by The FactCheckHub show that the claim is MISLEADING.

The video surfaced amid heightened political tension following INEC’s announcement that it would not recognise factions of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) led by David Mark and Rafiu Bala, citing a court of appeal order to maintain the status quo pending resolution of the leadership dispute.

The development triggered speculation about a possible protest by supporters of the Mark-led faction at INEC headquarters in Abuja. On Thursday, security operatives, including soldiers and armoured personnel carriers, were indeed deployed around the commission’s headquarters at Zambezi Crescent, Maitama.

Images of the security deployment were widely shared and reported by multiple media outlets.

However, checks by The FactCheckHub show that the circulating video is not authentic.

Analysis of the footage indicates that it was generated using artificial intelligence. The video appears to be based on an earlier image showing security deployment at the INEC headquarters but has been digitally altered.

Some tyres were seen moving on their own in the video while the signboard carrying Maitama Crescent looks suspended in the air without any hanger, a clear sign that the video is synthetic. 

We geolocated the INEC HQ’s address, and the result is inconsistent with what is in the video. For instance, the entrance shown in the video is blue-coloured, which does not match the actual INEC headquarters in Abuja.

Additionally, the signpost in the video reads “Maitama Crescent,” whereas the official address of the INEC headquarters is Zambezi Crescent, Maitama.

INEC Headquarters, source: Google Map

Further checks show no credible media reports confirming the movement of such a two-turret armoured vehicle toward the INEC office as depicted in the video.

VERDICT

The claim that the video shows armoured vehicles moving toward INEC headquarters in Abuja is MISLEADING. The video is AI-generated and does not depict a real event.

Video does not show Haifa Power Plant destroyed by Iranian ballistic missile

Zainab ABDULRASAQ
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Video does not show Haifa Power Plant destroyed by Iranian ballistic missile

An X user, @AAliBaltistani, shared a video circulating on the platform claiming it shows an Iranian ballistic missile striking a power plant in Haifa, Israel. The post further alleges that the attack destroyed the 828 MW facility, leaving half of the country without electricity.

The caption reads:

“BREAKING NEWS

IRAN has blown up the Haifa power plant with a ballistic missile.

With the destruction of this 828 MW power plant, half of Israel is living in darkness.”

The post has garnered traction with over 82,000 views, 1,170 reposts and 4,500 likes.

READ: Iranian PressTV publishes misleading claim on numbers of Israeli soldiers with disability from Gaza war

CLAIM

The footage shows an Iranian ballistic missile attack on a power plant in Haifa, Israel.

Screenshot of the viral post on X.
Screenshot of the viral post on X.

FINDINGS

Findings by The FactCheckHub show that the claim is MISLEADING.

A reverse image search and keyword analysis done by The FactCheckHub revealed that the video has been online since November 18, 2015. The footage actually documents an explosion at a chemical plant in China.

The original video, titled “Massive explosion at Chinese chemical plant,” was uploaded to YouTube by the channel Crazy China Videos on the same date.

READ ALSO: Video does not show Palestinians cheering after Iran’s attack on Israel

The specific industrial structures and the environmental backdrop seen in the video are consistent with Chinese industrial zones and do not match the topography of the Haifa power plant in Israel.

The 2026 conflict between the United States, Israel, and Iran, which reportedly began on February 28, was driven by intensified efforts to curb Iran’s nuclear programme. The situation escalated significantly following reports of the death of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei, in Tehran. Israel considers Iran an existential threat, while the United States has focused on dismantling Iran-backed proxies and regional infrastructure, leading to direct strikes on Iranian targets.

Although, The Times of Israel reported on March 25, 2026, that Iran appeared to target an Israeli power plant in a missile attack, the strike ultimately missed its intended target.

According to the report, an Iranian ballistic missile hit an open area in northern Israel during what seemed to be an attempt to strike the country’s largest power plant. The incident occurred amid continued Israeli airstrikes on Iranian regime targets, even as diplomatic efforts to end the nearly four-week conflict were ongoing.

The report also noted that this was the fourth round of missile fire launched by Iran at Israel since midnight, triggering sirens across central Israel and parts of the north.

While Iran did target Israel’s power plant, the footage posted predates the current tensions and is unrelated to the ongoing Iran–Israel war.

VERDICT

The claim that Iran blew up the Haifa Power plant is MISLEADING. The video is recycled footage of a 2015 chemical plant explosion in China. It is not a recent attack on Israel.

No, Dangote Cement truck was not used to convey bandits to Ondo

Zainab ABDULRASAQ
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No, Dangote Cement truck was not used to convey bandits to Ondo

A video circulating on WhatsApp claims that a Cement truck owned by Dangote Group was intercepted in Akure, Ondo State, for allegedly transporting bandits. 

The narrator in the video alleges that security operatives, specifically the Amotekun Corps, caught the criminals hidden inside the truck with weapons.

The narration in the video went as follows:

“The unthinkable happened yesterday in Akure, Ondo state. A Dangote Cement trailer, the very symbol of Nigeria’s enterprise and progress became a Trojan horse for death itself. Armed bandits, dozens of them were discovered hiding inside what appeared to be an ordinary commercial vehicle traveling through one of our supposedly safe south western states.”

“The eyewitnesses explained that the trailer driver’s hands trembled uncontrollably when security operatives ordered him to open the cargo area, he refused repeatedly, his eyes darting nervously…”

READ: No, Dangote Refinery not up for $30bn sale

CLAIM

A Dangote Cement truck was caught transporting bandits into Ondo State.

Screenshot of the viral video on YouTube.
Screenshot of the viral video on YouTube.

FINDINGS

Findings by The FactCheckHub show that the claim is MISLEADING.

The video has been digitally manipulated through selective editing, while the original, longer footage was also distorted by misleading narration to implicate Dangote Group.

READ ALSO: Dangote refinery no dey sell fuel for Naija markets for dollars

Investigations by The FactCheckHub revealed that the longer footage was posted by the YouTube channel Follow Trends on January 16, 2026. The narrator in the video detailed the interception of a Mercedes-Benz truck (with a Jigawa State registration) by the Ondo State Security Network Agency, Amotekun, around the Cathedral area of Akure. The truck was conveying 38 passengers who could not provide a verifiable destination or mission in the state.

While analysing the video, The FactCheckHub observed that it was poorly narrated to misinform viewers. Though some media houses reported that Amotekun intercepted a truck conveying 38 passengers of northern extraction on January 11 in Ondo state, none mentioned that the truck belongs to the Dangote group.

The Amotekun Commander, Adetunji Adeleye, confirmed during a press briefing that the individuals were being profiled for security reasons, but at no point were they identified as “bandits” or linked to the Dangote Group.

“We are profiling all of them thoroughly. Anyone found culpable after investigation will face the full weight of the law, while those cleared will be sent back to their states of origin,” Adeleye said.

Further analysis by The FactCheckHub revealed that the footage shows a standard commercial truck, not a Dangote Cement truck. The scenery in the video suggests no arrest or violence. Instead, the video showed people and an Amotekun truck with a bigger truck stuck amid traffic, just like the rest of the vehicles in the video, with no evidence supporting the claims made in the viral narration.

Although a minor disagreement occurred while vehicles were being directed, there is no indication of criminal activity as alleged.

Also, Dangote group debunked the claim on January 20, 2026, on their Instagram handle, clarifying that no such incident involved their fleet and that the video was a malicious fabrication.

VERDICT

The claim that the Dangote Cement truck was used to transport bandits into Ondo is MISLEADING. The video was manipulated and presented with a false narrative to misinform the public.

No, Donald Trump didn’t congratulate Morocco for winning AFCON 2025

Zainab ABDULRASAQ
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No, Donald Trump didn’t congratulate Morocco for winning AFCON 2025

A viral post circulating on social media claims that the U.S. President, Donald Trump, congratulated Morocco for being crowned the champions of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

The post further suggests that he praised Morocco and mocked Senegal for walking off the pitch, leading to a forfeit.

A verified X user and media outlet, @JMNewsNetwork_ made the post on March 18, 2026, with the caption: “US President Trump congratulates Morocco after announced champions of AFCON 2025.”

As at March 18, the post had garnered over 10,000 views, 33 likes and eight bookmarks, with some comments having second thoughts about the authenticity of the news.

READ: Trump did NOT revoke 80,000 Nigerian visas

CLAIM

The post claims that President Donald Trump posted a congratulatory message to Morocco following the Confederation of African Football (CAF) decision to overturn the AFCON 2025 final result.

screenshot of the viral post on x

FINDINGS

Findings by The FactCheckHub show that the claim is FALSE.

While the sporting events, AFCON, described in the post did actually happen, the screenshot of the claim is a fabrication.

READ MORE: Trump affirms plan to sue BBC for $1 Billion over edited speech

The claim was made after the Confederation of African Football (CAF) Appeal Board officially overturned the result of the game on March 17, 2026, although Senegal won the final 1–0 on January 18, 2026.

The board ruled that Senegal had forfeited the match due to misconduct, specifically, an incident where players temporarily left the pitch in protest of a VAR-awarded penalty. Consequently, Morocco was awarded a 3–0 victory and the trophy.

However, there is no record of Trump making the alleged post. A review of his official archived posts reveals no mention of AFCON, Morocco’s victory, or Senegal’s forfeiture.

Additionally, there are no reports from credible local or international media organisations confirming that Trump made such remarks.

The screenshot also has multiple red flags commonly associated with fake post generators, including noticeable grammatical mistakes and awkward spacing. For instance, phrases like “nobody saw it cowing” instead of “nobody saw it coming,” and “overtnowed” in place of “overturned,” point to clear signs of manipulation or fabrication.

VERDICT

The claim that Donald Trump congratulated Morocco on winning the AFCON is FALSE. While Morocco was indeed declared the winner of AFCON 2025 by a CAF administrative ruling in March 2026, the viral claim is fabricated.

Viral screenshot of Trump reacting to Maiduguri attack doctored

Nurudeen Akewushola
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Viral screenshot of Trump reacting to Maiduguri attack doctored

AN X user, @ioccupyNigeria, has shared a screenshot claiming it shows a comment by the President of the United States, Donald Trump, reacting to the recent bombing incident in Maiduguri, Borno State.

According to the screenshot, Trump described the situation as a “total disaster” and urged Nigeria’s President, Bola Tinubu, to return home immediately from his trip abroad to deal with it.

READ : Trump did NOT revoke 80,000 Nigerian visas

The post reads:

“The situation in Nigeria is a TOTAL DISASTER. Massive, coordinated suicide bombings tonight in Maiduguri. A hospital, a major market, the post office—all hit! Many innocent people killed. This is what happens when you have NO LEADERSHIP and open borders for terrorists! While his country is in a state of NATIONAL EMERGENCY, President Tinubu is currently in the UK on a “State Visit.” Unbelievable! Shaking hands and having fancy dinners while his people are being blown up? I don’t think so! Prime Minister Starmer should tell him to get on a plane and GO HOME IMMEDIATELY. You don’t stay abroad during a crisis like this. A real leader is on the ground with the military and the people, not cutting ribbons in London. Nigeria is a great country with wonderful people, but they are being let down by a government that isn’t focused on STRENGTH and SECURITY. Close the borders, find the terrorists, and PROTECT YOUR CITIZENS. Everything else can wait. TRUTH!”

The user accompanied the screenshot with the caption:

“When Trump has to tell our President to go home and lead, you know the situation is critical.Maiduguri is in mourning, families are shattered, and yet the “State Visit” in London continues. Trump is right about one thing: this is a NATIONAL EMERGENCY. Tinubu, get on the plane. Now.

The claim has also surfaced on several other X accounts such as here.

CLAIM

Screenshot shows Trump’s reaction to the Maiduguri attack.

SCREENSHOT OF THE VIRAL POST

THE FINDINGS

Findings by The FactCheckHub show that the claim is FALSE.

At least 23 people were reportedly killed following multiple explosions in Maiduguri, the Borno State capital. The Borno State Police Command confirmed that 108 others sustained varying degrees of injuries in the attacks, which were carried out by suspected suicide bombers.

According to the police, the explosions occurred around 7:24 p.m. at three locations: Monday Market, the gate of the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital, and the Post Office Flyover area. The incident has drawn widespread reactions from Nigerians both at home and abroad.

The attack coincided with President Tinubu’s visit to the United Kingdom, where he is scheduled to meet with King Charles III and Queen Camilla.

READ ALSO : How lack of coordination marred Nigeria’s reaction after Trump’s military action threat

However, checks by The FactCheckHub show that the viral screenshot attributed to Trump is doctored.

For instance, the viral post displays only a single red verification tick. In contrast, authentic posts by Donald Trump on Truth Social typically feature both a red verification tick and the platform’s official Truth Social icon.

Example of Trump’s post with verification tick and Truth Social icon

Donald Trump is known to be very active on social media especially Truth Social. However, the alleged statement does not appear on his Truth Social account, showing that the screenshot is not authentic.

A review of his official X and Facebook pages, as well as the White House website, where his statements and remarks are typically published, also shows no evidence supporting the claim.

On March 17, 2026, Sunday Dare, special adviser on media and public communication to Bola Tinubu, shared the viral screenshot and labelled it “FAKE.”

Additionally, there are no reports from credible local or international media organisations confirming that Trump made such remarks.

Given the prominence of the figures involved, such a statement would have attracted widespread media coverage if it were genuine.

VERDICT

The claim that the screenshot shows Trump reacting to the Maiduguri attack is FALSE. The screenshot is doctored, and there is no evidence that Trump made the statement.

Viral video exaggerates value of gold in sim cards

Zainab ABDULRASAQ
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0
Viral video exaggerates value of gold in sim cards

A video circulating on social media platforms by a Chinese refiner known as The Alchemist (Qiao) is being marketed as a gold rush.

The video shows a large quantity of SIM cards being processed to extract a substantial gold bar, leading many to believe that the gold-colored chips on their SIM cards are a significant source of valuable real gold.

A verified X user, @TansuYegen posted the video on March 21, 2026, with the caption:

“He just found out the gold plated chip on your SIM card is actually real gold.”

As at March 22, the post had garnered 7 million views, 24,000 likes and over 6000 bookmarks.

READ: UPDATED: Federal lawmaker amplifies false claim about Nigeria’s gold reserve

CLAIM

The post claims that the gold-colored chip on a standard SIM card is made of real gold and can be refined for significant profit.

screenshot of the viral post on x

FINDINGS

Findings by The FactCheckHub show that the claim is MISLEADING.

While SIM card chips do contain real gold, the scale of extraction required to make a profit is far beyond the reach of the average person, and the process is highly dangerous.

READ ALSO: Are SIM cards made in Nigeria?

A reverse image search conducted by The FactCheckHub traced the circulating video to Qiao, a refiner. Qiao did, indeed, extract 191 grams of gold valued at approximately $28,000.

However, in follow up interviews with the South China Morning Post (SCMP) and other local outlets in February 2026, Qiao clarified that this yield came from processing nearly two tonnes of high-grade electronic waste, not just a handful of SIM cards.

Technically, gold is used in SIM cards because it is a superior conductor that does not corrode. However, a quote on City News Service stated that a single modern nano-SIM card contains only about 0.02 milligrams of gold. To collect just one gram of gold, an individual would need to professionally process approximately 50,000 SIM cards.

Furthermore, the extraction process involves the use of Aqua Regia, a highly corrosive mixture of nitric and hydrochloric acid. Experts warn that this process releases toxic gases and poses severe health risks if not performed in a controlled, industrial environment with proper safety certifications. For most people, the cost of the chemicals and the labor required to gather tens of thousands of cards far outweighs the microscopic value of the gold recovered.

VERDICT

The claim that the gold colored chips on sim cards fetch profit is MISLEADING. It is true that SIM cards contain real gold for technical reasons, but the amount per card is microscopic.

Viral sponsored post falsely claims Buhari endorsed fraudulent trading platform

Zainab ABDULRASAQ
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0
Viral sponsored post falsely claims Buhari endorsed fraudulent trading platform

A viral sponsored post and article circulating on social media claim that former Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari revealed a wealth loophole and endorsed a trading platform named Prime Aura.

The link, hosted on the domain brookesbodybutta.com, directs users to a website that mimics the interface of Vanguard, a reputable Nigerian news outlet. The article alleges that the former president shared details about the platform during a live interview.

The late former president image and his family was placed on a fake Vanguard newspaper webpage with a headline that reads:

“Muhammadu Buhari’s Final Surprise: Why the Nigerian Statesman Bequeathed an Investment Platform Instead of Billions of NGN”

READ: Sponsored post linked to fraudulent trading platform falsely claims CBN sues Kadaria Ahmed

CLAIM

Late former Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari endorsed a trading platform called Prime Aura during a live interview, revealing it as an investment he made for Nigerians to generate quick wealth.

screenshot of the post mimicking vanguard platform

FINDINGS

Findings by The FactCheckHub show that the claim is FALSE, as the report is a phishing article advertising a Ponzi scheme.

READ ALSO: Old protest photos falsely misrepresented as recent calls for Netanyahu’s resignation

The article is a malicious fabrication that follows a well-known scam template designed to defraud the public.

Investigations by The FactCheckHub show that there is no record of Muhammadu Buhari or any other reputable public figure ever endorsing Prime Aura. This campaign is a classic example of a celebrity endorsement scam used to lure victims into fraudulent financial schemes.

The website used to host the article, brookesbodybutta.com, is an unrelated, spoofed domain that has no affiliation with any legitimate news organisation. These bridge pages are created specifically to bypass social media advertising filters while masquerading as authentic news reports.

The FactCheckHub fact-checked this platform earlier last year, when they used popular Nigerian TV host, Kadaria Ahmed, to advertise their fraudulent operation.

The FactCheckHub have also highlighted key red flags to recognise fraudulent schemes here. The public is advised to ignore the link and avoid investing in the platform or any fraudulent scheme without proper verification.

VERDICT

The claim that Muhammad Buhari bequeathed his wealth to an investment platform for Nigerians to make a profit is FALSE. The article is entirely fake; it is a mischievous attempt to promote a phoney trading scheme designed to steal funds from unsuspecting individuals.

TikTok commits $200,000 to AI media literacy in sub-Saharan Africa amid deepfake concerns

Zainab ABDULRASAQ
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0
TikTok commits $200,000 to AI media literacy in sub-Saharan Africa amid deepfake concerns

TIKTOK has announced a $200,000 investment to promote artificial intelligence (AI) media literacy across Sub-Saharan Africa, as the region faces growing risks linked to deepfakes and other forms of AI-generated misinformation.

This was revealed during the third Sub-Saharan Africa Safer Internet Summit held in Nairobi, Kenya. The two-day event, held under the theme #SaferTogether: ‘Innovation and Safety’, brought together policymakers, technology experts, and civil society groups to discuss strategies for improving online safety and strengthening digital resilience.

The initiative comes at a time when digitally altered images, videos, or audio created using artificial intelligence are becoming increasingly sophisticated and accessible. Experts at the summit warned that such technologies can be used to spread misinformation, impersonate individuals, and manipulate public opinion.

​”The speed of AI evolution is breathtaking, but the speed of human gullibility is our biggest vulnerability,” noted David Ajikobi, Nigeria Editor at Africa Check.

“This funding allows us to scale our ‘verification-first’ mindset to millions who are seeing AI content for the first time.”

​With social media platforms playing a central role in information sharing, technology companies are under pressure to ensure users can recognize misleading content and engage responsibly with emerging digital tools. TikTok says improving AI literacy among internet users is critical to reducing the risks associated with synthetic media.

Partnerships with African organisations

The $200,000 support forms part of TikTok’s wider $2 million global AI Literacy Fund, launched in November 2025. This investment builds on the company’s initial fund which awarded 20 global nonprofits to create content that boosts public understanding of AI.

Several African organisations are among the beneficiaries of the program. These include the fact-checking organisation Africa Check.

Another beneficiary is the Centre for Journalism Innovation and Development (CJID), whose fact-checking platform DUBAWA focuses on tackling information disorder and strengthening the capacity of journalists and media professionals.

Youth-focused organisation Mtoto News is also involved in the initiative, producing educational content designed to help young people and children understand artificial intelligence and engage with digital technology responsibly.

“We want to turn them into ‘digital detectives’ who can spot a manipulated video before they hit the share button,” said Jennifer Kaberi, CEO of Mtoto News.

TikTok has also introduced policies requiring creators to label realistic AI-generated media, particularly when such content could mislead viewers into believing it depicts real events or people. The platform says these measures are part of broader efforts to improve transparency around synthetic media and maintain trust among its users.

“Transparency is the currency of trust,” stated Fortune Mgwili-Sibanda, TikTok’s Director of Government Relations and Public Policy for Sub-Saharan Africa.

“The goal is to ensure that an internet user in Lagos or Nairobi has the same critical eye for a deepfake as a tech expert in Silicon Valley.” She noted.

In addition, TikTok relies on automated detection tools and human moderators to enforce its community guidelines. According to the company, millions of videos are uploaded to the platform every day, making AI-assisted moderation essential for identifying harmful or misleading content.

Tokunbo Ibrahim, TikTok’s Head of Government Relations and Public Policy for Sub-Saharan Africa, emphasized the importance of collective action during the event. “As we host the 3rd Annual Safer Internet Summit here in Kenya, our mission is clear: to share learnings, insights, tackle common challenges and collaboratively advance actionable solutions that protect citizens online,” Ibrahim stated.

“By bringing together a diverse coalition of policymakers, tech innovators, and creators, we are ensuring that the conversations we have at this Summit are all-inclusive and lead to a more resilient digital landscape.”

He further noted that with the rapid advancement of AI, the platform is committed to educating the community so they feel empowered to have responsible experiences, whether as viewers or creators.

The Safer Internet Summit serves as a platform for dialogue between technology companies, regulators, and advocacy groups working to improve online safety in Africa.

Discussions at the event focused on protecting young users, combating misinformation, and encouraging responsible innovation in the use of artificial intelligence.

As digital adoption continues to grow across the continent, stakeholders say media literacy and public awareness will play a crucial role in limiting the harmful effects of emerging technologies such as deepfakes.

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