How to examine what you read for factual information (1)

The era of disinformation is here. Disinformation refers to campaigns to saturate the info space with deceptive information with the intention of swaying public opinion or to achieve certain objectives. This implies that most of what you read on the internet and newspapers have been written to largely reflect interests which could be local, religious, tribal, regional, international or even psychological. The success of such disinformation campaign is evident in the large numbers of people (even on Nairaland) who beleive everything served especially if it conforms to their emotional, religious, tribal or psychological perogatives.

So how can we distinguish between reality and fiction, facts and deceptions? This often depends on the level of knowledge and understanding of the content and language by the reader. The rules to apply are flexible and adaptable to all info space sources. Certain differences may be discerned when we look at political post but the technique is generally the same. In this and other posts (if I have the time) we shall look at how to interpret what we read for credible information and facts. For starters, here are two to whet your appetite.

Disclaimer: Any news article or post examined is for educational purposes only. I accept no liability from any action, loss or gain that may arise from using the skills or methods described in this post.

P.S.: My replies may be slow in coming.

Rights reserved.

Example 1

Post: Nigerian Diplomat’s Son Jailed For Raping & Murdering A Nigerian Sex Worker

Verifiable but extra information needed- hint: full name and also father is a government worker

Bala Chinda was sent by his father, an immigration attache to the Nigerian embassy in China, to study at the Robert Gordon University in Aberdeen, Scotland.

Verifiable but extra information needed- hint: crime committed but in which specific area. Note the racial profiling to counter the name dropping (Jessica McGraa).

But only few weeks into his stay, the 26-year-old would have his life derailed in ways that he or his parents could not have imagined. He was found guilty of raping and murdering 37-year-old Jessica McGraa, a sex worker who also happened to be Nigerian.

Which court? - Hint: The story is incomplete despite reference to court proceedings. Law enforcement involved (good), but motive presented weak.

The court heard throughout the trial that Chinda had been desperate for sex on the evening before and the morning of McGraa’s death. After searching for prostitutes and brothels nearby he eventually ended up meeting his victim at her a residence. Unfortunately, he did not have the cash required for the sexual transaction and killed her in a frustrated rage. According to court papers, Chinda then stole McGraa’s mobile phones in order to dispose of any evidence linking him to her.

Are you kidding me- Hint: smother and rape her at the same time, questionable? Note smothered and strangled are almost same in meaning. Printers devil or tabloid journalism?

It is believed that he smothered her with a pillow as he raped her and strangled her afterwards with a scarf.

Gossip- Hint: Speculation about the deceased lifestyle, no respect. Sign of tabloid journalism

Jessica McGraa was said to be a Nigerian orphan whose career as a sex worker was unknown to her friends and family who thought she sold hair extensions. Her fee was up to £1800 per night. She is survived by a young son, an ex-husband and a 21-year-old boyfriend who both did not know of her other life until the murder.

Verdict: The news as written informs of a real crime successfully prosecuted in a court but also tries to profile Nigerians as criminally and morally debased. Also it is lacking in information to make it a basis for anything other than conversation and more speculation.

Example 2

News: Corruption: UK Gets Evidence Against Diezani

Speculation- Hint: Not verifiable unless if the UK says or gives more information

The United Kingdom (UK) is now in possession of a pile of evidence against former Minister of Petroleum Resources, Mrs. Diezani Alison-Madueke, courtesy of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

Speculation- Hint: information is not verifiable without more information

A team of EFCC detectives was on standby yesterday to proceed to London to interrogate the ex-minister.

Something is definitely going on- Hint: Was Magu in London? If yes, then something which may or may not be related to the Diezani case is heating up. Note that London crime agencies don’t call country head agencies for meetings unless it is a high-level affair and also because of need for secrecy and negotiation over details or evidence.

Sources familiar with her investigation by the EFCC told The Nation that all the evidence gathered by the anti-graft agency on Diezani had been handed over to UK investigators. The Acting Chairman of the EFCC, Mr. Ibrahim Magu accompanied by some detectives took the evidence to the National Crime Agency in the UK. “The evidence includes an inventory of more than 15 choice properties at home and abroad, her account status, documents and vital video clips,” the source said. “The evidence was taken to London in preparation for her trial.
In fact, one or two persons indicted in the fuel subsidy scandal are already in detention in the UK ahead of her trial.
Responding to a question, the source added: “We are also sending some EFCC detectives to the UK to interrogate Diezani on some issues. We need to obtain her statement too on certain allegations against her in Nigeria.

Speculation- Hint: Is she really recovered? Can we verify this?

“We learnt that she has substantially ‘recovered’ and we want our team to interview her in London.

Speculation- Hint: Something related to the Diezani case is up

“When the trial begins, Nigerians will have a full insight into our findings against the ex-minister.”

Fact- Hint: this was verified by EFCC itself.

Continuing, the EFCC source said: “We have placed some of these properties under temporary asset forfeiture. We are still investigating some properties allegedly bought by the ex-minister through some proxies.
“But we have submitted a documentary on all these assets to investigators in the UK. We also discovered a box which was full of jewelry and expensive wrist watches in one of the properties with price tags.
“Some detectives who visited Nigeria from the UK inspected this box which we may transfer to the UK.

Partly true- Hint; Bribery scandal substantiated but still not proven in courts yet. But only two RECs (one is Rivers) were reported to have confessed on being shown videos. Name the politicians please.

“On the $115million poll bribery scandal, we have video clips of how electoral officials and politicians were hauling cash from banking halls.

Opinion- Hint: Wants us to judge EFCC based on outcome of trial judgements. This reflects confidence in evidence against accused-very interesting

EFCC does not engage in a personal vendetta. Nigerians will know the truth at the end of the trial either in Nigeria or in the UK.”

Verdict: It is probable that evidence may have been shared but the story is all about increased activity regarding the Diezani case in the near future both here in Nigeria and in the UK. The news is based on few facts and it wants us to believe information from its source which could be mere speculation. What happens in the near future will determine the credibility of the source? For now, news assures us to expect more on the case and that the suspect is cooked goose (mind the pun).

Push to FP. Educate yourselves. !!!!!












and give out free indomies to sensible comments because that shows the nairaland kids have repented.