Kano state made headlines recently following the visit of Nigeria's First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, to the state. Images surfaced on social media showing women holding red underwear with the image of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, sparking claims that the state government distributed the items as empowerment or campaign gifts.
Fact-Checking the Viral Images
However, a fact-check and forensic analysis have revealed that the images were manipulated. The claim was investigated due to its sensitivity and the political tension in the state. Error Level Analysis (ELA), a technique used to detect image manipulation, was applied. The verification showed that the image was edited because, in an unedited image, most areas show similar brightness or noise levels. In the viral image, noticeable brighter patches on the pants indicated alterations. The inconsistency suggests parts of the image were edited and inserted separately before recompression. In the original images, noise and brightness levels are uniform, confirming no alterations. Further analysis indicated that the original images were distorted, and the image of Governor Yusuf was inserted to create a false impression.
Public Reactions
The video of the viral images has generated mixed reactions from Nigerians. Some comments include:
- Musa Alqasim explained: "Those ladies are showing extreme opposition to one politician of the opposite political party... Claiming that the underwear is his. Though this is totally condemnable."
- Young Ojay condemned the video: "Things like this no suppose dey come online... Una wa una politicians dey give ur mama pant with his face..."
- Ibukun Tayo Daniel commented: "If the government sponsored your marriage, they are now your in-laws and stakeholders."
- Kenechukwu Caleb criticized: "Omo I don leave this country for una... una mata don taya me."
Related News: Kano Emir Speaks on Fuel Subsidy
Legit.ng earlier reported that President Bola Tinubu has been criticized over fuel subsidy removal and borrowing. Muhammadu Sanusi II, the Emir of Kano, questioned why the president keeps borrowing after subsidy removal, sparking reactions from Nigerians.
This fact-check confirms that the Kano state government did not distribute underwear as empowerment or campaign gifts. The images were manipulated and should not be taken as factual.
