Senate Orders DSS To Probe Fake Reports of Akpabio’s Death
The Senate has directed the Department of State Services (DSS) and the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) and to investigate the source of social media reports claiming that Senate President Godswill Akpabio had died in a London hospital.
Senator Titus Zam, representing Benue North-West, raised the issue during Tuesday’s plenary, describing the reports as dangerous and damaging to Nigeria’s leadership.
“I am raising this motion because of social media claims that the Senate President died in a London hospital,” Zam said.
“This is a very serious matter; as the third-highest citizen in Nigeria, reports like this about you, your person, and your office must be investigated.”
Zam noted that false death reports were becoming a recurring problem, recalling similar claims about former Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon, in recent days.
“It’s not only you who has been targeted in this way; former Head of State General Yakubu Gowon was also reported to have died a few days ago. This does not reflect well on our leaders,” he said.
The lawmaker called for urgent action against those responsible, emphasising that sanctions would deter the spread of harmful misinformation.
“There is an urgent need not just to investigate, but to punish those spreading such negative news about our leaders. Sanctions will serve as a deterrent to anyone engaging in this dangerous act against the leadership of our democracy and country,” Zam said.
He added that perpetrators could be traced through digital footprints. “Social media promoters of false information can be traced and will be punished,” he said.
Responding, Akpabio acknowledged that false reports affected not only politicians but public figures across sectors.
He subsequently asked ONSA and DSS to identify and take appropriate action against the originators and promoters of the false reports.
Titilope Adako is a talented and intrepid journalist, dedicated to shedding light on the untold stories of Osun State and Nigeria. Through incisive reporting, she tackles a broad spectrum of topics, from politics and social justice to culture and entertainment, with a commitment to accuracy, empathy, and inspiring positive change.
