Fake News Fueled EndSARS Crisis – Lai Mohammed

Fake News Fueled EndSARS Crisis – Lai Mohammed

Former Information Minister Lai Mohammed has blamed fake news and disinformation for escalating the EndSARS protests beyond their original purpose.

Speaking at the London School of Economics and Political Science, he said the protests began as genuine public anger against police brutality but later spiraled due to the spread of unverified information across social and traditional media.

The demonstrations, which started on October 8, 2020, quickly grew nationwide, with Lekki Toll Gate becoming a major centre of activity.

According to Mohammed, tensions rose sharply when security forces were deployed to disperse protesters, a moment he said was amplified by misleading reports.

He also criticised CNN, alleging that some of its coverage relied on content that was not properly verified, contributing to global reactions and heightened anxiety.

Mohammed explained that misinformation became the government’s biggest challenge during the crisis, as false narratives spread rapidly and shaped public perception.

Reflecting on the period, he said authorities responded by expanding communication efforts, including daily briefings, radio programmes, and messages in local languages to counter false information and keep citizens informed.

He added that the experience showed how powerful disinformation can be in real time, especially during moments of national tension.