CBN Debunks Viral Claim of New ₦5000 Note with Tinubu's Image
The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has officially dismissed as fake news the circulating claim that a new ₦5000 banknote, featuring the image of President Bola Tinubu, has been introduced. In a tweet on Thursday, April 9, 2026, the apex bank stated, "This content is fake. Let the public be guided," clarifying that no such note is under consideration.
Social Media Reactions and AI Detection
The claim, which spread rapidly across social media platforms, prompted a flurry of reactions from Nigerians. Reports indicated that the viral image was subjected to an AI detector tool, Hive Moderation, which revealed it contained approximately 90% AI-generated material. Despite the CBN's swift denial, many users expressed skepticism and concern over the spread of misinformation.
Nigerians took to social media to share their views, with some condemning the fake news and others criticizing the government's handling of such incidents. For instance, one user, Dacosta, questioned why authorities have not arrested distributors of fake news, stating, "You guys are handicapped! You have all the instrumentalism of government to arrest and prosecute fake news purveyors, but can’t use it."
Mixed Public Sentiment and Political Allegations
The CBN's clarification has generated mixed reactions, with some alleging political motives behind the fake news. Umukoro claimed, "This is the handiwork of OBIDIENTD aka ADC aka IPOBY aka Obidiots! They're mischief makers, hell-bent on heating the polity." Meanwhile, other comments focused on broader economic issues, such as Kayode Abraham's call to scrap existing high-denomination notes to prevent corruption.
Many Nigerians appreciated the CBN's quick response, with Oluwatosein noting, "Thank you @cenbank for the quick clarification. This fake ₦5000 note with Tinubu’s face don cause plenty unnecessary panic." However, skepticism remains, as highlighted by Qing Travis, who remarked on a pattern of initial denials later proven true, adding that Nigerians would reject such a currency change if implemented.
Broader Implications for Public Trust
This incident underscores the challenges of misinformation in the digital age and its impact on public trust. The CBN's denial aims to prevent unnecessary panic and maintain stability, but it also reflects ongoing concerns about the credibility of official communications. As fake news continues to circulate, experts emphasize the importance of verification before sharing information to protect the integrity of the national currency and public discourse.
In summary, while the CBN has firmly denied the existence of a new ₦5000 note, the episode has sparked significant debate among Nigerians, highlighting issues of trust, political tension, and the need for robust measures against fake news.
