VERDICT: FALSE
CLAIM: Fact checkers at the Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD) spotted a flyer alleged to be from the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) with the claim that a case of Coronavirus (COVID-19) had been confirmed in Apo area of Abuja.
The e-banner read ''CONFIRMED. First case COVID in Abuja, Apo. March 9, 2020''.
FACT: a review of the banner shows it is dated March 9, 2020 and has the insignia of a popular Instagram account @Instablog9ja. CDD fact checkers who were at the National Headquarters of the NCDC confirmed from multiple sources that the banner was not from the Centre. It was doctored by purveyors of Fake News to cause panic within the Federal Capital Territory.
In a statement released by NCDC afterwards on its verified official twitter handle, @NCDCGov, the Centre said: ''The news circulating of #COVID19 confirmed cases in Apo, Abuja is FALSE'' adding that every confirmed case will be announced accordingly.
Currently, Nigeria has 12 confirmed cases of the COVID-19 and none of them is in Abuja.
CONCLUSION
The report therefore that there is a confirmed case of COVID-19 in Abuja is FALSE.
The banner was altered by mischief makers and purveyors of fake news with an intention to cause panic among residents of Abuja. CDD is urging Nigerians to verify all information before sharing, as sharing of Fake News in such a critical time like we are in can threaten the lives of the general public.
Always wash your hands and practice social distance.
#StopFakeNews #CoronavirusFactCheck #COVID19 #CoronavirusNigeria
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