By: Quadri Yahya
Claim: Nigeria’s Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja is dead.
Verdict: The Nigerian Army Command Headquarters have disclosed that the CoAS is still alive.
Full Text:
News reports and several WhatsApp platforms have circulated the claim that the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Lagbaja has died.
The claim emerged after a report that the Lt. Gen. Lagbaja took a sick leave but was secretly flown abroad for treatment.
Following the report, several online publications reported that the Lt. Gen. has died from stage three Cancer.
Death disinformation
FactCheck Africa reports that rumoured death of public figures has been a recurring disinformation.
Senator Ned Nwoko, a senatorial representative, was rumoured to be dead in August, in Switzerland. The Peoples DemocraticParty chieftain however debunked the death fake news.
The immediate past President Muhammadu Buhari also battled with a death disinformation for several months in 2018.
A report has it that at least 9 Nigerian celebrities have fallen victims of death rumour through fake news on social media.
The rumoured death of the CoAS has stirred reactions on social media, with some users commenting that the government lacks transparency while others call for the arrest of the media outlets or social media users spreading such misleading information.
“In Nigeria, there’s no truth and transparency regarding ruling political class & senior government officials,”@realadnantweet, said.
Another X user (@reminifemi) said, “Before the release of this communique, an arrest should have been made, an example has to be made out of some people to serve as a deterrent for others. some elements wants to destabilise this country”,
Verification:
The Defence Headquarters clarified that no appointment was made to replace the incumbent CoAS.
The HQ said “the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja, is currently on a well-deserved rest as part of his 2024 annual leave.”
The statement released October 21st further reads: “The DHQ urges individuals spreading unfounded rumours to desist from doing so immediately. The COAS is hale and hearty and will soon resume normal duties at the end of his leave.
“Media organizations are advised to verify information with the appropriate authorities before releasing fake news to the public. The CDS had only spoken with the COAS a few minutes ago.”
“Additionally, those advocating for a military takeover, as seen in a viral video, should be aware that such actions are treasonable under the Constitution.”
Conclusion
Contrary to the death rumour of the CoAS, the Army Headquarters have disclosed that Lt. Gen. Lagbaja is still alive.
