The Nation Newspaper

Tag: social media

  • Social media: How fake and diversionary news drowns real news

    Social media: How fake and diversionary news drowns real news

    Right from start, social media, notably, X (formerly Twitter), Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp), have played a significant role in the spread of information beyond mainstream print and electronic media. It was obvious early that their role could be positive or negative, depending on the nature of information and its consequences for political processes.

    It is well known that social media are veritable platforms for sharing information, allowing citizens to voice opinions on political issues, thereby allowing voices that were previously unheard to be heard. Social media are particularly useful in increasing citizen participation in the political process, by mobilising support for political causes. In recent years, their role in organising protests for or against governments or government programmes increased after 2010, when young Arabs organised protests across the Middle East against authoritarian regimes, corruption, economic hardship, high unemployment, and limited political freedoms.

    Today, the use of social media for this kind of political mobilisation has been taken to the extreme in democracies, which guarantee freedoms of expression and assembly, as we saw in the United States in January 2020, when supporters of President Donald Trump attacked the Capitol (equivalent of our National Assembly) and in Brazil in January 2023, when supporters of President Jair Bolsonaro invaded the Congress and Supreme Court. Trump and Bolsonaro had led their supporters to protest the elections they lost in their respective countries. So inciting were Trump’s messages at the time that he was suspended indefinitely from using Facebook and Instagram, but his privileges were restored after two years.

    Since the 2023 general elections cycle in Nigeria, social media have taken a turn for the worse in the country. The escalation of their uses in spreading fake news and falsified information during the elections has hardly abated. The BBC was so perturbed by the ubiquity of disinformation during the elections that it carried out detailed investigations. The investigators discovered three websites from which a number of fake news originated and got spread on social media. They were Podium Reporters, Reportera, and Parallel Facts.

    What’s in vogue in Ngeria today is the use of social media to divert attention from serious issues. Two politicians in the forefront of diversionary politics are Senator Natasha Akpoti Uduaghan of the Peoples Democratic Party and Peter Obi of the Labour Party. They were both in the news recently. Senator Natasha (as she has come to be known) alleged that the Senate President had sexually assaulted her, but the Senate suspended her for six months for offenses other than sexual assault.

    However, all she has been talking about is the assault charge, and that’s what has been trending on social media. In the midst of the suspension and the ensuing court case, she held a big rally in her Kogi Senatorial District, using social media to draw a large crowd to the venue. To add a sensational spice, she arrived in a helicopter! It was all a ploy to attract sympathy from her political base and beyond.

    She again revived social media pandemonium, when she appeared at the National Assembly gates, knowing full well that she would not be allowed into the building. It was to energise debates about her course, with many media posts claiming that the Court had ordered her return to the Senate and upbraided the red chamber, when the Court did not. Rather, the Judge only expressed an opinion that the suspension for six months was excessive but conceded, under the separation of powers, that only the Senate has the power to revise its own rules and allow Natasha to represent her people.

    The truth is that the Judge did nor order Natasha’s return to Senate at this time. Indeed, the orders made by the Court were against Natasha for contempt, for which she was fined N5 million. While not ignoring her sexual allegation or the reasons for her suspension, it is obvious that all the helicopter appearance in her Senatorial District and the march on the gate of the National Assembly were political theatre to feed social media platforms.

    Read Also: Sanwo-Olu’s wife launches N60m Tinubu’s RHI Agric support

    Peter Obi’s case is different. Like Natasha, he went to Edo state to raise his supporters’ political consciousness and create social media content for them. Hence the large crowd of supporters that received and escorted him to St Philomena Nursing School, where he donated N15 million. Within minutes, it was all over social media, with some claiming he donated N50 million, while others claimed he made the donation to his alma mater. The truth is that, from the content of his speech at the event, Obi went to Edo to campaign for support.

    In no time, however, Obi’s visit, for whatever it was worth, was drowned out by what the Governor of Edo state, Monday Okpebholo, said of the visit. The Governor had cautioned Obi never to visit the state without alerting state authorities so that adequate arrangements could be made for his protection. But the way he couched the message made it sound like a threat. That was the dominant reading on social media and even on TV shows.

    Two interesting social media diversions from substantive issues were the gaffes by the Senate President and Governor Hope Uzodima, in which they swapped the name of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the late President Muhammadu  Buhari, while talking about Buhari’s death and praising Tinubu for according Buhari a superb state burial. Social media went to town with the gaffes so much so that their contexts were lost and forgotten. Several readings of the gaffes are possible. One, it was possible that Tinubu was so much on the speakers’ mind that his name was the first on their lips when they wanted to talk about a President. Two, those who wished Tinubu dead found the gaffe interesting, while those who support his work found the gaffe unwarranted from top government officials. All readings and interpretations were content for social media.

    A few days later, a Tiktoker claimed falsely that President Tinubu had seriously fallen ill from poisoning. Some claimed that the Tiktoker said the President collapsed and died, a typical amplification of falsehood. The Tiktoker was promptly arrested, but death did not appear anywhere in the court charges.

    Perhaps the greatest recent social media diversion was the viral video of Vice President Kashim Shettima opening the car door for his Brazilian counterpart, Geraldo Alckmin, as the latter left the Presidential Villa. Yet, what had happened earlier between both men was of major consequence for both nations. They signed several MOUs, covering defense, energy, culture, drug control, and food security, featuring a $1 billion Green Imperative agricultural Initiative. Social media would have none of that.

    Rather, Shettima’s courteous act of opening the car door for his guest was turned into something else: Some claimed that “The dude has serious low self-esteem and inferiority complex.” Another concluded that “After they approved their loans they act humble”! Although there were a few posts that defended Shettima’s action as mere diplomatic courtesy, the vast majority blamed him. None, however, mentioned the substantive trade agreements between the two nations.

    2027 may look far on the calendar. It is already in the horizon for social media activists. The government should begin to prepare for what is coming.

  • Double-edged sword of social media validation: Tool or curse?

    Double-edged sword of social media validation: Tool or curse?

    In today’s digital age, social media has become an integral part of our lives where we share our thoughts, experiences, and achievements on various platforms, seeking validation from our online communities.

    But hey! Have you ever stopped to think about the impact of social media validation on your mental health and self-worth?

    The pursuit of validation is a fundamental human need, and social media has tapped into this desire. Platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter now known as (X), have created a culture of likes, comments, and shares, where we crave validation from our online peers. We measure our self-worth by the number of likes and comments we receive, often feeling inadequate or unworthy if we don’t receive the validation we crave. This pursuit of validation can be all-consuming, leading us to curate a perfect online persona, showcasing only our highlight reels.

    The constant need for likes and comments can lead to feelings of anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem. When we don’t receive the validation we crave, we may feel like we’re not good enough, smart enough, or talented enough. This can lead to a vicious cycle of self-doubt, as we continually seek external validation to compensate for our perceived shortcomings. Moreover, social media platforms showcase the highlight reels of others’ lives, making it easy to compare and contrast. We compare our bodies, relationships, careers, and achievements to those of others, often feeling inferior or inadequate.

    The impact of social media validation on our self-esteem can be significant. When we receive likes and comments, we may feel a temporary boost in confidence and self-worth. However, this validation is short-lived, and we may soon find ourselves craving more likes and comments to feel worthy. This can lead to a never-ending cycle of seeking external validation, rather than developing a positive self-image.

    Read Also: Humble yourself, Wike tells Fubara

    Furthermore, social media validation can activate the brain’s reward system, releasing dopamine and creating a feeling of pleasure. This can lead to addiction, as we continually seek out social media validation to feel good. However, this can also lead to a decrease in motivation, as we rely on external validation rather than internal motivation to drive our actions.

    On the other hand, social media validation can be a powerful tool for self-promotion. By sharing our achievements, skills, and experiences, we can build a personal brand, attract new opportunities, and connect with like-minded individuals. When used intentionally, social media can be a valuable platform for networking, marketing, and self-expression.

    To harness the benefits of social media validation while avoiding its pitfalls, it’s essential to develop a healthy relationship with social media. This means setting boundaries, such as limiting our social media use to specific times of the day and taking regular breaks from our devices. It also means practicing self-compassion, reminding ourselves that likes and comments don’t define our worth.

    By focusing on real-life connections and nurturing meaningful relationships with friends, family, and community members, we can reduce our reliance on social media validation. Additionally, using social media intentionally, sharing our authentic selves, and promoting our passions and interests can help us build a positive online presence.

    Ultimately, social media validation is a double-edged sword, offering both benefits and drawbacks. While it can be a powerful tool for self-promotion and connection, it can also lead to feelings of inadequacy, anxiety, and low self-esteem. By being aware of the potential pitfalls of social media validation and taking steps to mitigate its impact, we can harness its benefits while protecting our mental health and self-worth.

    Social media validation is a complex issue that requires a nuanced approach. By understanding its impact on our mental health and self-worth, we can use social media in a way that promotes positivity, self-expression and connection. By prioritising real-life connections, practicing self-compassion, and using social media intentionally, we can build a healthy relationship with social media and avoid the pitfalls of validation-seeking behavior.

  • Social Media and Spirituality Concerns

    Social Media and Spirituality Concerns

    • By Tunde Akanni

    To say that social media mean almost everything to Gen Zs is perhaps an understatement. They conspicuously have an inimitable entrapment for that generation and increasingly, the rest of us. Foremost digital media scholar and recent Higher Education Minister in Spain, Manuel Castells firmly wrapped it all in the theory of network society. Social media’s strong appeal to humanity defies divides. They’re maximally representative, even as their miniaturization for mere pockets is hardly diminishing.

    Speed of light has become more meaningful with their capacity to transmit and retransmit messages with the unprecedented characteristic of multimediality. Yet, their doors, irrespective of their peculiarities are eternally accessible to anyone with a smartphone duly enabled with data.

    So, on account of this welcome to everyone availability, you’re responsible for whatever you choose to access or disseminate via your favourite social media platforms.

    There is hardly any better time to engage with the palpability deriving from the all-pervading capability of social media. This year 2025 alone the count of the lunar month of March coincides with that of the Islamic month of Ramadan. Yet the commencement of the Christian Lenten period was only a few days away from that of Ramadan prompting episodic neologists to coin the acronym Ramalent, as a way of synthesizing the two holy seasons.

    Read Also: Akpabio not aware of planned rally in Akwa Ibom, says aide

    If there is any month most specially treasured by Muslims, it is Ramadan. It comes with all forms of discipline ranging from abstinence from food and drinks to, restraining your sight, amorous possibilities and all, for the better of the day. But the images of the aforelisted pleasures for humans, indeed their extreme versions, are all available in abundance in the social media. Humans’ reach for pleasure is now transcendental extending beyond real life to the virtual realm courtesy of social media. So how should serious religionists with relevant scriptural admonitions Muslims cope with the bourgeoning phenomenon? 

    First the benefits. The rapid growth of social media has revolutionised human communication, offering immense opportunities for connectivity, knowledge sharing, and spiritual development.

    One of the greatest blessings of social media is the ease of accessing Islamic knowledge. Scholars, institutions, and da’wah organisations use platforms like YouTube, Twitter, and Facebook to share Qur’anic exegesis (tafsir), Hadith commentaries, and fatwas, enabling millions to learn about their faith. Interestingly, for those contents that may be rather long, they could also be shortened even as their overall meanings may not be affected and may also be adapted to various platforms.

    Most striking perhaps is the revivalist effect of the social media platforms. In southwestern Nigeria for instance, from Ede, home to Nigeria’s first sharia court, to Iwo and Ilorin, there were several muslim public intellectuals otherwise referred to as oniwaasi. All such erudite Islamic scholars well known and respected during their times for instance are now for transgenerational appreciation on account of the invaluability of their public lectures especially those laden with prayers of the Holy Prophet, Muhammed, may eternal peace be on him. Such is the affinity for the prayers known to be authentic in all essence that some videos available on some of the platforms contain only those segments featuring the prayers. It is in fact suspected that the commerce minded folks are also beginning to take advantage of these video clips by ensuring that the ones available online do not contain the full versions of the treasured contents. Interested persons may therefore have to pay to them for access.

    Meanwhile, Allah (SWT) in the supreme scripture of Islam, the Holy Qur’an, commands believers to seek knowledge:

    “Say, ‘Are those who know equal to those who do not know?’ Only those who possess intellect take admonition.” (Qur’an 39:9) The Prophet Muhammad (SAW) also emphasized the pursuit of knowledge:

    “Seeking knowledge is an obligation upon every Muslim.” (Ibn Majah, Hadith 224)

    Yet another major benefit abounds with virtual communities that enjoy as much spiritual support as physical groups encumbered by several conventional challenges including membership fees. Today, online Islamic groups, Qur’an study circles and virtual religious gatherings have made it easier for Muslims to stay connected with their faith, even in non-Muslim majority societies. These digital communities provide spiritual encouragement, enabling believers to uphold their Islamic identity and practice. Otherwise lost souls manage to retrace their path in the righteous direction while some others not known to be knowledgeable find social media platforms convenient avenues to share knowledge. The interesting thing with all of these is the absolute blurring of boundaries with interaction not being dependent on physical access or presence. This goes to align with the unity of the entire musli ummah irrespective of race or some other parameters.

    The Prophet (SAW) stated:

    “The example of believers in their affection, mercy, and compassion for each other is that of a body. When any limb aches, the whole body responds with sleeplessness and fever.” (Sahih Muslim, 2586)

    It’s however not all chummy with social media. It has also introduced challenges that can divert individuals from the path of righteousness, fostering distractions, vanity, and unethical behavior. What about the fact that some people now hold that social media’s disconnecting effect within homes is most discomforting making it hardly being labelled social? It is not unusual to see parents and children within same household get glued to their assorted devices at the expense of each other’s attention and welfare. They are literally carried away by vanity and exhibitionist spectacles spread everywhere online.

    Allah (SWT) warns against seeking worldly attention:

    “So woe to those who pray but are heedless of their prayer—those who only show off.” (Qur’an 107:4-6)

    The Prophet (SAW) also warned:

    “The thing I fear most for you is the minor shirk: showing off.” (Musnad Ahmad, 23630)

    It is incumbent on believers to guard their intentions, ensuring that their social media exploration and presence do not lead them away from sincerity and humility.

    With limitless offerings in video, texts and audio accompanied by interactivity, social media can become an addictive distraction, taking away time from acts of worship such as salah (prayer), dhikr (remembrance of Allah), and Qur’an recitation. These days, many people wake up, contrary to the Islamic prescription of thanking Allah first, now prioritise checking their phones. What has happened to starting the day with du’a and seeking Allah’s guidance for khayra al-yawm?

    Allah (SWT) reminds us:

    “And do not obey one whose heart We have made heedless of Our remembrance and who follows his own desires, and whose affair is ever [in] neglect.” (Qur’an 18:28)

    Far worse perhaps is the fact that social media have become a breeding ground for gossip and slander, both of which are grave sins in Islam. Many people engage in online arguments, character assassination, and spreading falsehoods, unaware or possibly deliberately ignoring the fact that such actions are severely condemned in the Qur’an and Hadith. Indeed, Cybercrime Prohibitions Act of 2015 frowns on several forms of bad conduct online. It is also not for nothing that that Act provides for Cybercrime Advisory Council.

    Muslims must use social media ethically and responsibly, ensuring that their speech remains pure and beneficial. Instead of excessive scrolling, believers should use social media with moderation, ensuring that their spiritual obligations take precedence over digital distractions. 

    It is particularly important and urgent too that muslim organisations like The Companion, MSSN, The Criterion, NASFAT as well as Ansar ud Deen Society of Nigeria with obvious capacity for Media and Information Literacy, MIL, campaigns should collaborate to formulate a thorough strategy to educate their members locally and internationally. It is a task for which resources are available with relevant government agencies like the Nigerian Communication Commission, NCC, Nigerian Technology Development Agency, NITDA and so forth.

    It is therefore worth doing being beneficial to all and therefore should not be made to suffer procrastination. 

    Being the adaptation of my presentation at The Companion Mosque, Isawo Road, Ikorodu as part of this year’s Ramadan tafsir series of the Ikorodu Usrah Zone

  • Strategies to make money on social media in 2025

    Strategies to make money on social media in 2025

    Social media has gone beyond a place to share photos and updates, it’s now a powerful platform for making money.

     It’s safe to say that some people are full time social media influencers and have made a fortune from the platform. 

    Whether you’re an aspiring influencer, a business owner, or just someone looking for extra income, here are  ways you can monetize your online presence and start earning from social media in 2025.  

    1. Partnership with Brands or Sponsorships:

    Brand partnerships remain one of the most profitable ways to earn on social media. Both companies and small businesses are often actively seeking influencers to promote their products.

    How to secure brand sponsorships: 

    – Define Your Niche: Brands prefer creators who attract a specific audience. Focus on a particular topic like fitness, fashion, or personal finance.  

    – Create Quality Content: Consistently posting engaging, high-quality content increases your chances of getting noticed.  This involves both video quality and originality of the script.

    2. Get paid by social media platforms: 

    Most social media platforms now offer built-in monetization programs that reward creators for engaging content. Here, one would have to meet up with certain requirements prescribed by the platforms.

    Here are some platforms that pay creators:

    – YouTube: One YouTube one can earn from ads, memberships, and YouTube Shorts bonuses.  

    – TikTok: By serving creative contents and live streamings.

    – Instagram and Facebook: Monetize reels.

    Read Also: First Pan-African social media network launched

    3. Offer subscription-based content: 

    Providing exclusive content to paying subscribers can create a stable and recurring income stream. But before getting to this level,one would have to build their page and followership by creating quality and engaging contents.

    4. Earn from live streaming & virtual gifts: 

    Live streaming provides an interactive way to engage with your audience while earning through tips, gifts, or sponsorships.  

    Best Platforms for Live Monetization:

    – TikTok Live: Viewers send virtual gifts that convert into real earnings.  

    The most successful content creators don’t rely on just one income source, rather they merge different activities to earn.

  • First Pan-African social media network launched

    First Pan-African social media network launched

    In a landmark event held yesterday at its headquarters in Ikeja, Lagos, Africa’s first Pan-African social media network, MYNGUL, was officially launched.

     The platform, designed to empower African content creators, businesses, and individuals, promises to revolutionise the digital space by enabling users to fully monetise their content without restrictions imposed by global platforms.

     Speaking at the launch,  the visionary behind MYNGUL and CEO of BeepAgro Africa, Gilead Okolonkwo, emphasized the importance of digital sovereignty for Africa.

    “For too long, African content creators have been sidelined in the global digital economy. MYNGUL is here to change that narrative by ensuring that Africans control their digital content, earn from it, and build sustainable economic opportunities.   “Africa has been a major player in global content creation, yet creators often face challenges monetising their work due to restrictive policies on international platforms.

    MYNGUL seeks to address this issue by providing an inclusive platform where users can start earning from day one, without barriers such as follower count or engagement thresholds,” he said.

     The name MYNGUL embodies its mission: M – Monetise, Y – Your Power, N – Network, G – Grow, U – Unify, L – Leverage With its focus on economic empowerment, MYNGUL aims to foster unity across the continent, promote cultural diversity, and offer a secure, community-driven social media experience.

    Key features of MYNGUL include Instant Monetistion – Users can earn immediately without meeting restrictive criteria; Privacy and Security – State-of-the-art encryption and user-controlled data policies ensure a safe digital environment; Community-Driven Growth – MYNGUL fosters niche communities with authentic engagement; Economic Empowerment – The platform supports local businesses and brands in a secure ecosystem.

    BPI Export Promotion Program Launched Alongside MYNGUL In addition to launching MYNGUL, Okolonkwo introduced the BPI Export Promotion Program, an initiative designed to help Nigerians and other Africans access international markets for locally made products.

    Read Also: Why FG discarded Visa-on-Arrival policy, by Minister

     The program, facilitated through BPI Market, enables Africans in the diaspora to purchase authentic Nigerian goods at discounted rates while allowing local entrepreneurs to earn in U.S. dollars. Through the EPC (Export Promotion Code) system, BPI members can share unique codes with international buyers, granting them access to discounted Nigerian goods while generating income for local sellers.

    This initiative aims to tackle unemployment and create sustainable economic opportunities for young entrepreneurs and small businesses. Key Features of the BPI Export Promotion Programme includes Diaspora Market Access – A seamless shopping experience for Nigerian products; EPC Earning System – Members earn in foreign currency by sharing their EPC codes; Product Sponsorship – Over 90 highly demanded products are available for sponsorship; Branding & Packaging Support – Helping African businesses meet global standards; Job Creation and Economic Growth – Empowering local businesses and entrepreneurs.

     The launch of MYNGUL and the BPI Export Promotion Program marks a significant step toward Africa’ss digital and economic liberation.

    The serial entrepreneur, Okolonkwo, urged Africans worldwide to embrace the movement, saying, “This is our time to reclaim our digital space, our economy, and our future. We must leverage technology to empower Africa and ensure that our content, products, and ideas are valued on the global stage.”

  • Why FG must take action against social media giants’ excesses, by advocacy group

    Why FG must take action against social media giants’ excesses, by advocacy group

    The federal government has been urged to take immediate and decisive action against the unchecked influence of big tech companies, as Nigerians continue to suffer from widespread online harms, a public strategy advocacy group, Gatefield has said.

    The appeal followed the findings of the State of Online Harms in Nigeria study conducted with support from the global philanthropic organization Luminate, which highlights the urgent need for regulatory measures to address the growing threats of misinformation, cyberbullying, and digital abuse.

    Shirley Ewang, Advocacy Lead at Gatefield, said based on a survey of over 500 Nigerians, the report underscored the glaring failures of major social media platforms in tackling harmful content, a concern that demands urgent government attention.

    Therefore, she emphasized that to safeguard national security, the federal government must swiftly implement comprehensive policies to hold tech companies accountable for their inaction, adding that the measures should include strict content moderation regulations, greater transparency in platform governance, and severe penalties for platforms that fail to address digital abuses.

    To emphasize the urgency of government action, she elaborated on the study, revealing that findings indicate that 58% of Nigerian women and individuals aged 25–34 experience the highest levels of online harm, with X (formerly known as Twitter) emerging as the most harmful platform, followed by Facebook and WhatsApp.

    Despite 60% of Nigerians reporting instances of harmful content, according to Ewang, 31% claim that such content is never removed, reflecting a troubling gap in content moderation efforts by tech companies.

    The study also highlights the disproportionate impact of online abuse on women, as cyberbullying and harassment continue to silence female voices in digital spaces, Ewang noted.

    Read Also: Mike Bamiloye to Christians: use social media responsibly

    She said: “The inability of major platforms to curb these issues places women at an increased risk of exclusion from public discourse, undermining their participation in democratic processes.

    “Perhaps most concerning is the report’s revelation of big tech’s excessive influence over Nigeria’s democracy.

    “An overwhelming 91% of respondents believe that technology companies wield too much power in shaping political narratives, while the spread of misinformation continues to erode public trust in institutions.

    “Fake news and misinformation, identified as the most significant online threats, pose serious risks to national security, governance, and public health.

    “Without stringent regulation, the unchecked manipulation of information could deepen social divisions and destabilize the country’s democratic framework.

    “Despite their substantial user bases in Nigeria, social media giants have yet to demonstrate genuine commitment to safeguarding digital spaces.

    “The failure of these platforms to effectively moderate harmful content raises concerns about their role in exacerbating political instability and societal harm.

    “These findings are not just statistics, they represent real people facing online abuse, misinformation, and harassment every day.

    “Without meaningful intervention, the digital space will remain a breeding ground for misinformation and harassment, further endangering the social fabric of Nigeria. The time for action is now”.

  • When hell hath no fury like social media mob

    When hell hath no fury like social media mob

    • By Funke Adeoye

    Sir: In an age dominated by social media and big tech, the relationship between misinformation, disinformation and the criminal justice system has become increasingly complex.

    Weeks ago, the Nigerian media erupted with the alarming news about a 16-year-old girl who had allegedly laced a pepper soup with toxic substances, resulting in the death of 5 individuals, including her ex-boyfriend. The sensational story was widely shared across mainstream news outlets, blogs, and social media platforms. Some social media users even went as far as advocating for mob justice, calling for immediate punishment without the benefit of due process. On platforms like X (formerly Twitter), misogynists seized the moment to push deeply harmful and gendered narratives, chanting ‘Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned”.

    At this point, the accused, an underage girl who had yet to be proven guilty,  became a symbol, not of an individual on trial, but of a larger ideological battle. She was arrested by the police after being saved from being lynched and remanded in a facility for children. Weeks later, after human rights lawyers took an interest in the case, reports revealed that the accusations were hogwash. The deceased had unfortunately died from generator fumes. If they had died from any other cause, the police might have left important investigative trails in pursuit of shadows.

    The media had followed a post from one of the deceased’s friends on WhatsApp, determining that the young girl had a mens rea (mental intent), she was scorned by her boyfriend, and a follow up action – she had laced his food with poison and thus she was guilty. The police, who have the power of arrests and investigation, had this to say: “While authorities understand how the deaths occurred, they are still determining the precise cause of death, which was initially believed to be related to food poisoning or potentially toxic fumes from a generator.”

    Read Also: FG threatens to take over incomplete Lagos-Ibadan expressway sections April

    This incident is not an isolated case. Around the world, the proliferation of misinformation and disinformation through big-tech platforms is becoming undeniably challenging even for criminal justice actors. In Nigeria, as in many other countries, the speed at which false information circulates online poses a significant threat to the presumption of innocence — one of the most sacred principles of criminal law and human rights.

    The presumption of innocence ensures that no individual is considered guilty before a fair trial and that the burden of proof rests with the prosecution. In Nigeria, this principle is enshrined in the 1999 Constitution, specifically Section 36(5), which states that anyone charged with a criminal offence is presumed innocent until proven guilty. It stems from one of the principles of natural justice: Audi alteram partem, no one must be condemned unheard. However, this constitutional safeguard is often undermined by the explosive nature of trials that take place online.

    The impact of misinformation on the criminal justice system has dire implications that cannot be exhausted in a short piece. There is a need to revisit the functions of law enforcement agencies in our digital age. The Nigerian police force is already marred by a plethora of inefficiencies, and one cannot overlook the importance of transparency, accountability, and better funding for investigative work. Law enforcement agencies must be trained to deal with the pressures of public opinion and social media hysteria. A robust system of checks and balances is needed to ensure that police investigations are not swayed by viral narratives but are instead based on facts and proper procedure.

    Also, while freedom of speech is a fundamental right, the algorithms that amplify sensationalism must be recalibrated to prioritize truth and factual reporting over engagement-driven content.

    In conclusion, the convergence of social media, misinformation, and the criminal justice system presents a clear and present danger. The case of the “pepper soup girl” highlights the urgent need for systemic reform to protect individuals and institutions from the potentially devastating consequences of online falsehoods. Only by strengthening accountability within media platforms, law enforcement agencies, and the legal system itself can we begin to mitigate the harm caused by digital misinformation and restore a semblance of fairness and integrity to the criminal justice process.

    • Funke Adeoye,

     University of Oxford.

  • Seven ways to protect your mental health from social media onlsuaght

    Seven ways to protect your mental health from social media onlsuaght

    Protecting your mental health from the harmful effects of social media is important. Constant use can lead to problems like anxiety, depression, and body image issues.

    Here are seven seven ways to protect your mental health from social media onslaught

    1.      Follow accounts that make you feel good

    If someone’s posts are affecting your mental health but you don’t want to unfollow them, try muting their account. This way, you stay connected, but their posts won’t show up in your feed.

    2.      Invest in offline relationship

    Spending time with friends and family in person or through meaningful phone calls is important for your mental health. Real-life connections help keep you balanced and support your well-being.

    Read Also: Why Africa must join Nigeria to stamp out skin bleaching, by Health Minister

    3.      Mindful scrolling

    Before grabbing your phone, take a moment to decide what you want to do. Are you checking the time of an event? Reading a message? Setting a clear goal can help you avoid wasting time mindlessly scrolling.

    4.      Avoid toxic comparison

    Take time to recognize your own strengths and accomplishments instead of comparing yourself to others. Remember, everyone’s path is unique, and what you see on social media is often not the full story.

    5.      Challenge unrealistic beauty standards

    Remind yourself that many photos on social media are heavily edited. Focus on what makes you          feel good about your body and appearance.

    6.      Engage in Content that promotes mental health

    Follow accounts dedicated to mental health advocacy, body positivity, and self-love. This can help shift your perspective toward healthier mindsets.

    7.      Take a break

    Take a weekend or longer to fully disconnect from social media. This can help you break the cycle of constant comparison and recalibrate your sense of self.

  • Social media, violent extremism and conflict

    Social media, violent extremism and conflict

    • By Felix Oladeji

    Sir: The wide adaption of social media has created a virtual environment that has broken geographical boundaries by virtue of its strategy that brings likeminded people together irrespective of diversity. As terrorism keeps increasing and growing tremendously and rapidly in frequency and magnitude around the world, a lot of fingers are pointing at social media as a major instrument used by terrorists for achieving their aims and objectives.

    Statistics from Terrorist Identities Datamart Environment (TIDE) database indicate that from 2008 to 2018, names grew from 540,000 to 1.6 million of the countless deaths across the world attributed to terrorist activities.

    Social media platforms have channels which are by far the most popular with their intended audience as it allows terrorist groups to be part of the mainstream. When a terrorist account is shut down, the cost of establishing a new one is minimal. Furthermore, social networking allows terrorists to reach out to their target audiences and virtually ‘knock on their doors’-in contrast to older models of websites in which terrorists had to wait for visitors to come to them.

    An estimate by the U.S. State Department revealed that about 12,000 foreigners from 50 different countries travelled to Syria to partake in the Syrian chaos championed by ISIS.

    In order to curb terrorism, fundamentalism, extremism and conflict which are inevitable, government at various levels have made serious effort to check the menace. The media has been used as an instrument to achieve the goal. To that effect, several laws have been enacted.

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    A former Inspector General of Police, Solomon Arase, has explained that the Nigeria laws on terrorism are essentially embodied in two enactments: the Terrorism Prevention Act (TPA) of 2011 and Terrorism (Prevention) (Amendment) Act 2013. The two laws are collectively referred to as Terrorism (Prevention) Act 2011 (as amended) or simply TPA 2011 (as amended). This was enacted, essentially, to prevent and deal with the wave of terrorism erupting in Nigeria. The alarming need to create Nigerian Anti-Terrorist Organisation is a policy issue toward curtailing terrorism in Nigeria.

    Media as social institution has played a pivotal role in the discourse of conflict and terrorism ranging from coverage, moulding concepts of terrorism and extremism and name-calling. Some scholars argued that the attention and coverage given to terrorism by the media had enabled the terrorist to exploit the mass media by selling their ideologies.

    In Nigeria, the media cover terrorism and other criminal acts in a way that seems as promotion of the acts and ideologies. There are diverse media outfits in Nigeria ranging from international, national and local and each has interest and pattern of reporting issues. However, the conceptual ambiguity of terrorism is responsible for the failure of the media in fight against terrorism. Though the media cannot fight alone, but it has played a role in determining terrorists, covering terror and reproduction of the meaning of terrorism.

    Hence, the media have continuous roles to play to ensure the realization of these ideals. The press as a major factor in this direction should take the issue of national security with utmost importance and fight to sustain Nigeria’s corporate existence. The usage of social media is indeed a phenomenon that has come to stay, but it is also imperative to note that if left totally unchecked, it could do more harm than good to the country’s peace. It has become more imperative now than ever, to realize that no matter the prevalent differences, our national interest should override all other considerations and interests. It is not over stressing to point out that issues highlighted in most Nigerian media are still made up of violent-robbery, ritual performances, rivalry, conflicts, sexual violence, organized crime, prostitution, murder, greed, avarice, impatience, jealousy, envy, pride, arrogance, infidelity, treachery, occultism, love and hatred. The mass media need to mobilize people to envisage the problems that impede the nation from development while promoting good governance and transparency as enshrined in the ideals of democracy hence reduce deprivation and fundamentalism.

    •Felix Oladeji,

    Lagos.

  • Social media and alternative reality

    Social media and alternative reality

    By Mike Kebonkwu

    I am still struggling and unable to find the law that allows an individual either in exercise of right of freedom of expression and free speech, to publish photographs of another person with commentaries in what is clearly in violation of the other person’s right to protection from attack.  To be a blogger social media influencer is not a liberty to download photographs of another person for attack or to portray another in odium in mala fide.  This has become rampant and stock in trade of many social media influencers in different platforms tearing people into shreds and often times spreading false information without verification.

    We have seen these disturbing broadcasts even of highly placed people which turned out to be malicious falsehood. Our weak legal system makes this irresponsible behaviour to go unchecked and unpunished.   The military has had its fair share of this kind of smear campaign and attacks. One cannot forget so soon, the photographs of a colonel circulated by a female soldier over allegation of sexual harassment which investigation turned out, was a false claim.  Any piece of news item involving security agents especially, the Nigerian Army or the armed forces would elicit attention any day.  It is even more so, when it is for the wrong reason or perception of the conduct of an officer in public. 

    There is a viral video in circulation of a certain Major General and another motorist in an incident in Abuja.  Was it an accident, a street brawl, or an issue of security breach? A military convoy or a marked army vehicle would be very conspicuous in traffic, unless for someone under the influence of some substance or distracted by other factors. 

    The viral video itself is worth reviewing to get informed picture and analysis of the entire incident.  A clearly marked military vehicle was hit from the rear.  As an elementary traffic rule, a motorist that hits another vehicle from the rear is implicitly at fault until the contrary is proven.   It does not matter who is involved; military or civilians after all, nobody is above traffic rules, quite apart from exceptions to fire engine and ambulances.

    An offender should not be allowed to play the victimhood because he is armed with android phone and has access to a cheap blogger and blackmailer.  We are too emotional just about everything especially if an issue involve some persons or institutions we have bad blood for, for the wrong reason.  It is not any one’s fault that he has chosen a particular profession or that he rose to a respectable rank in his career with prestige.  It should not be the reason to single out individuals for attack when there are civilized ways to settle those issues in accordance with the rule of law. 

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    The major problem with most of these viral videos is that they have been discovered to be cropped and manipulated with distortions to create alternative reality different from what actually happened.  Social media is a great invention that has created job for many people but it is increasingly being weaponized and deployed to blackmail people for pecuniary consideration as most Nigerian bloggers have turned out to be.  The bloggers become the accusers, prosecutors and judges at the same time all rolled into one.   The gullible public most of the time take everything on the face of it, lock-stock-and-barrel. 

    Free speech and press freedom are the most fundamental human rights of citizens. Government should not gag the people but again the citizens should display responsibility and respect the law and rights of others whenever they are exercising their own rights.  As the saying goes, your rights stop where another person’s rights begin!  With the advent of social media, the media space has become largely unregulated; unprocessed data and information are uploaded and downloaded into the internet for public consumption. We are now faced with commercial bloggers and social media influencers without scruples who are hired to merchandize and circulate falsehood just for the money, damaging the reputation of people and assassinating their character.  Some of these bloggers are pure blackmailers without integrity and honour; but now they wear the badge of celebrities. 

    Our weak legal system and silly sentiments make them to get away easily with their reckless publications hiding under free speech.  We are now seeing glorification of mediocre and elevation of comedians into superstars simply for attacking prominent people. 

    Nobody has the right to wake up and upload photographs of another person simply to present him for media trial in the court of public opinion for a perceived wrong that has remedy in law as a tortious act.  Pictorial evidence of an act or incident should only be presented to support a complaint before a tribunal or any other authorized person that is to deal with the complaint.  There is no law that allows anyone to drag the image of person or institutions in the mud against every decent rule of behaviour and civility.  It is even more offensive when some of the information is manipulated just for pure and outright sensationalism. 

    There are so many of these images lately coming from a certain “VeryDarkMan” (VDM) as his pseudo name.  It is offensive and nauseating to say the least watching his histrionics. As advocate of press freedom and free speech, we should resist any attempt to gag the press or infringe on the right to freedom of expression guaranteed under the Nigerian Constitution. The right to freedom of expression and free speech it must be understood is not absolute; there are laws against libel and defamation.  It is not for an individual to assume the all-powerful role of an ombudsman exposing people or institutions to public odium. 

    After a careful preview of the trending video of the Army General and the other motorist, the distortion was manifest; and the intention of the blogger appeared clearly to present the Nigerian Army and the officer in bad light.    This was an incident that was reported at a Police Station in Gwarimpa where it occurred and investigated by the Divisional Police Officer.  There should be no law in a civilized society for an individual to arrogate to himself the liberty to carry out such reckless act of negative publicity of another where there is also the rule of law.  Well, it is my believe that the Nigerian Army should do its own due diligence and carry out independent investigation.

    More importantly, the Nigeria Police Force should conduct a thorough and professional investigation and do the needful to sanitize our public space.  While the Army should not cover its own, it is also important that it should not be infused with timidity but speak boldly to possible security implication of the reckless act of the driver on a marked military vehicle.  Nigerians should stop celebrating mediocre and blackmailers armed with android phone.  In the whole of this thing, my worry is that the social media and bloggers are using their platform to create alternative reality by manipulating pictures and voices to mislead members of the public while damaging the character of individuals and institutions.  This should not be acceptable in a civilized society, if ours is one!

    •Kebonkwu Esq is an Abuja-based attorney. He sent this piece via mikekebonkwu@yahoo.com