The ministry of health and social welfare has dismissed a viral claim alleging the launch of a free nationwide diabetes treatment.
The 73-second video clip, shared widely across multiple social media platforms, claims that Ali Pate, coordinating minister of health, announced a “revolutionary drug” that would “save everyone from diabetes” and be delivered free to homes.
AI MANIPULATION
The video opens with chaotic crowd scenes, followed by a doctored image of Seun Okinbaloye, the Channels TV presenter, announcing the free drug, and subsequently, doctored clips of Pate purportedly confirming its availability.
“All Nigerians are in shock after Professor Muhammad Ali Pate’s announcement about a revolutionary diabetes drug. People began lining up for miles outside pharmacies to get their hands on it as soon as possible,” Okinbaloye purportedly said in the doctored video.
“Many are resorting to violence and vandalism, forcing the police to intervene and detain offenders.”
CableCheck analysed the video and observed an incoherent alignment of the presenter’s eyes and mouth in the footage — a distortion typical of AI-generated videos.
Further checks showed that the first three seconds of the video were lifted from a 2024 clip showing some Lagos residents scrambling for bread.
HEALTH MINISTRY REACTS
In a statement issued on Sunday, Alaba Balogun, head of information and public relations at the ministry, described the footage as “false, misleading, and maliciously manipulated”.
Balogun said no such drug has been announced or approved for free nationwide distribution, adding that diabetes care remains part of ongoing programmes implemented through accredited facilities in partnership with state governments and licensed professionals.
He added that the ministry is working with the police, the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), and the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) to trace the source of the disinformation.
He urged Nigerians to verify health information from official sources and avoid engaging with fraudulent posts that solicit comments or personal details in exchange for medical products.
“The federal government remains committed to advancing genuine, evidence-based healthcare solutions for the wellbeing of all Nigerians,” the statement reads.
