The Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria has directed the Department of State Services (DSS) and the National Security Adviser (NSA) to investigate the origins and spread of viral social media rumours falsely claiming that Senate President Godswill Akpabio and former Head of State General Yakubu Gowon had collapsed or died. The resolution was adopted unanimously by the upper legislative chamber on 16 December 2025 following a motion raised by Senator Titus Zam.
The rumours, which circulated extensively online, alleged that Akpabio had suffered a health emergency and was secretly flown to a London hospital. The Senate condemned the misinformation as “false, reckless and dangerous,” stressing that such fabrications can erode public trust and cause unnecessary panic. Senators noted that similar unfounded reports had recently trended about former Head of State Gowon, further underscoring the need for a thorough probe.
In adopting the motion, lawmakers instructed the NSA and DSS to identify and take appropriate action against those responsible for creating and disseminating the false content, emphasising that prosecution under relevant laws may be necessary to deter similar incidents. Akpabio himself has publicly dismissed the rumours, sharing evidence of his active presence in official Senate proceedings to counter the claims.
The Senate’s move highlights growing concerns within government over the impact of misinformation and disinformation on national stability and governance, particularly when it targets high-profile public figures. The investigation aims not only to uncover the source of the recent reports but also to send a broader message about accountability for the spread of fake news.
