The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has firmly denied a viral poster that falsely claimed Nigerian comedian Emmanuel Ejekwu, widely known as Sabinus, was wanted by the agency. The anti-graft agency addressed the issue on Thursday through a post on its official Instagram page, where it stamped the image with the bold label "FAKE NEWS."
EFCC's Response to the Doctored Material
In reaction to the circulation of the manipulated poster, the commission issued a stern warning, writing, "Clout chaser, Stop this now!" This statement underscores the EFCC's commitment to combating misinformation and protecting public figures from false allegations. The fake poster, which spread rapidly across various social media platforms, featured the EFCC logo and inaccurately stated that Sabinus, aged 43, was wanted for obtaining money by false pretence.
Details of the Fake Poster
The poster included a supposed last known address as 13/14 Ligali Ayomide Street, Victoria Island, Lagos State. Investigations revealed that the design closely mimicked the style and layout typically used by the EFCC when declaring suspects wanted, making it appear more credible to unsuspecting viewers. However, the commission has not disclosed whether it has identified or traced the individuals or groups responsible for creating and disseminating the false material.
Sabinus's Status and Public Reaction
Sabinus, a popular comedian renowned for his online skits and comedy videos, had not publicly reacted to the development at the time this report was compiled. His silence highlights the potential impact of such fake news on celebrities and public figures, who may face unwarranted scrutiny or damage to their reputation. The EFCC has consistently warned the public against spreading fake content and has emphasized the importance of verifying information from official sources before sharing it online.
This incident serves as a reminder of the growing challenge of misinformation in the digital age, particularly on social media platforms. The EFCC's swift response aims to curb the spread of such falsehoods and maintain trust in its operations. As the agency continues to investigate the source of the fake poster, it urges citizens to remain vigilant and rely on authenticated channels for accurate news updates.
