FACT-CHECK: Viral Image of Benue State’s Gov. Alia ‘Bowing’ to Sultan of Sokoto Is AI-Generated!

BY: Eniola Amadu

Claim: 

Governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue state ‘bow down’ to worship the Sultan of Sokoto.

Verdict: 

False. Findings reveal that the image in circulation on social media is AI generated.

Full Text:

An image of the Governor of Benue state, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia bowing to the Sultan of Sokoto has been circulating on social media.  A facebook user named Asom D Jerry on his page posted the image with the caption:

“Leaked photo of Governor Hyacinth Alia worshipping the Sultan of Sokoto.

This is exactly why Alia will never admit that Fulani terrorists are killing Benue people. He has consistently refused to accuse or even mention Fulani in his speeches, despite the bloodshed in the state.

Benue people deserve a governor who will speak the truth and defend their lives, not one who stays silent while his people suffer. May God save Benue State from Governor Alia.”

Likewise, the same image was found on X with a user named @middlebeltG questioning the authenticity of it.

Verification:

To verify this claim, FactCheckAfrica subjected this image to various AI image checker tools such as TinEye, WasitAI, and Truthscan amongst others. These tools revealed to us that the image was AI generated. 

Caption: A screenshot to verify the authenticity of the image.

Also, verified media outlets have recently debunked the image describing it as “fake”.

Conclusion:

The claim that the Benue state Governor, Hyacinth Alia bowed down to worship the Sultan of Sokoto is False, the image is AI generated.