The Nigerian Senate has directed the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) and the Department of State Services (DSS) to investigate the origin of false reports circulating on social media alleging that Senate President Godswill Akpabio had died in a London hospital. Lawmakers described the rumours as a dangerous escalation of political misinformation capable of destabilising national institutions.
The matter was brought to the floor during Tuesday’s plenary by Senator Titus Zam of Benue North‑West, who condemned the viral posts as “malicious, misleading and injurious” to the country’s leadership. He warned that such fabrications, if left unchecked, could undermine public confidence in the government and create unnecessary tension.
Senator Zam noted that the false reports spread rapidly across multiple platforms, prompting confusion among citizens and raising concerns about the growing influence of coordinated disinformation networks. He urged the Senate to take a firm stand to deter future attempts to weaponise social media against public officials.
In response, the Senate mandated ONSA and the DSS to trace the individuals or groups responsible for initiating and amplifying the rumour. Lawmakers said the investigation must determine whether the false report was politically motivated, financially driven, or part of a broader attempt to destabilise the government.
Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele described the incident as “a direct attack on the institution of the National Assembly,” stressing that the spread of such rumours goes beyond personal insult and touches on national security. He argued that misinformation targeting high‑ranking officials could trigger panic or be exploited by hostile actors.
Several senators echoed the call for accountability, warning that the unchecked spread of false information has become a recurring threat in Nigeria’s political landscape. They urged security agencies to treat the matter with urgency and ensure that those responsible face legal consequences.
The Senate also appealed to Nigerians to verify information before sharing it online, noting that the speed at which the rumour spread demonstrated how easily falsehoods can gain traction in the digital age. Lawmakers emphasised the need for stronger digital literacy and responsible online behaviour.
Akpabio, who is currently in London for official engagements, has since confirmed he is alive and well. His media team dismissed the reports as “the work of mischief‑makers,” describing them as part of a broader pattern of politically motivated attacks targeting the Senate President.
The incident has renewed debate about the role of social media in shaping political narratives in Nigeria, with analysts warning that disinformation campaigns could intensify ahead of future elections. They argue that the country’s regulatory and security frameworks must evolve to address the speed and sophistication of online falsehoods.
As the investigation begins, the Senate said it expects a full briefing from ONSA and the DSS once preliminary findings are available. Lawmakers insist that identifying and prosecuting the perpetrators will send a strong message that the deliberate spread of harmful misinformation will not be tolerated.
