Former Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, revealed that a fake news report alleging he had $1.9 billion in his bank account nearly destroyed his 40-year-old marriage. He shared this experience on Thursday in Ogun State during an event titled “A Day with Alhaji Lai Mohammed” organized by the Mass Communication Department of Olabisi Onabanjo University.
Mohammed emphasized the severe impact of fake news, urging Nigerians to collectively combat the spread of false information. He explained that the fabricated story caused significant distress in his personal life.
He recounted, “While serving in the government, a fake news story circulated that I had $1.9 billion in my account. Many people, including my wife, believed this falsehood. One night, my wife woke me up and asked to become a signatory to my bank account, worried about what might happen in the future.”
Mohammed added that even his friends and many others approached him, believing the fake report and requesting money.
He concluded by stressing the importance of addressing the menace of fake news to prevent such personal and societal harm.
