EFCC Dismisses Viral Poster Falsely Declaring Comedian Sabinus Wanted
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has officially denied a viral poster that falsely claimed Nigerian comedian Emmanuel Ejekwu, widely known as Sabinus, was wanted by the anti-graft agency. The commission dismissed the poster on Thursday through a post on its official Instagram page, where it boldly stamped the image with the label "FAKE NEWS."
Commission's Stern Warning Against Misinformation
Reacting to the circulation of the doctored material, the EFCC issued a direct warning, writing, "Clout chaser, Stop this now!" This statement underscores the agency's firm stance against individuals or groups attempting to misuse its name for attention or malicious purposes. The fake poster, which spread rapidly across several social media platforms, carried the EFCC logo and inaccurately claimed that Sabinus, aged 43, was wanted for obtaining money by false pretence.
It also included a supposed last known address as 13/14 Ligali Ayomide Street, Victoria Island, Lagos State. Investigations revealed that the poster closely mimicked the style and layout typically used by the commission when declaring suspects wanted, making it appear more convincing to unsuspecting viewers. However, the EFCC has not disclosed whether it has traced the person or group responsible for creating and disseminating the false poster.
Sabinus's Silence and Broader Implications
Sabinus, a popular comedian renowned for his skits and comedy videos online, had not yet reacted to this development at the time this report was filed. His lack of response may indicate a cautious approach or ongoing assessment of the situation. This incident highlights the growing challenge of fake news on social media, where misleading content can quickly gain traction and damage reputations.
The EFCC has repeatedly warned the public against spreading fake content and has urged people to verify information from official sources before sharing it. This case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of media literacy and responsible online behavior in an era where digital misinformation can have real-world consequences.
