A new study undertaken by journalist-scholar Kemi Busari has unveiled the role of former Nigerian Minister of Aviation Femi Fani-Kayode in propagating a satirical story as factual information. The study, published in the Journal of Media Ethics, investigates an incident that occurred on April 13, 2021, when Fani-Kayode tweeted that a Nigerian ship had attempted to smuggle mutilated human penises to China. This tweet, originating from a satirical article published by World News Daily Report (WNDR), resulted in widespread misinformation being circulated among Nigerian media and lawmakers.

The investigation highlights significant issues regarding the responsibilities of public figures in verifying information before sharing it, especially in an era where misinformation can quickly spread through social media channels. The failure of both Fani-Kayode and the media outlets that reported on this story underscores systemic weaknesses in the Nigerian media landscape, as sensational claims can gain traction without proper scrutiny. The study raises concerns about the impact of such misinformation on public perception and legislative actions in Nigeria.

The findings of this study stress the importance of ethical journalism and the need for rigorous fact-checking, particularly when dealing with sensitive topics that can influence public policy. It calls for greater accountability among public figures and media institutions to prevent the further spread of falsehoods and to maintain the integrity of information shared with the public, thus fostering a more informed and responsible discourse in Nigerian society.