Since 2020, I have been keeping tabs on some conspiracy theorists known for misinforming those online about #COVID19 and #CovidVaccines, especially on social media platforms.
WhatsApp has been a willing tool for fake news merchants.
I noticed that conspiracy theorists, especially David Icke & @realFFK, have their beliefs centred around @BillGates and his foundation, @gatesfoundation.
An example is the so-called "Bill Gates depopulation plan in Africa" .
That unproven agenda has been Fani-Kayode selling point.
Also now added is Dr Anthony Fauci, an American physician-scientist and immunologist who serves as director of the United States National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, with #COVID19 outbreak, who is alleged to be working with Bill Gates.
My organisation, The ICIR and its fact-checking arm, FactCheckHub, have, on numerous occasions, found some of these claims false and misleading using in-house investigative skills and modern-day tools.
You also have platforms like AFP fact Check, Dubawa, Africa Check, People's Check, and African uncensored fact-checking some of these claims.
The spread of misinformation about the virus seems very well coordinated, with some focusing on videos and audios that are shared online and others spreading their misinformation through posts on Facebook, Twitter, and other social media platforms.
The claims shared about the covid-19 and its vaccines have highlighted the importance of identifying false information about the coronavirus and those who are spreading it.
I looked at contents being put out by Femi Fani-Kayode, Nigeria's former Aviation Minister and a member of the @OfficialPDPNig, Dino Melaye, a Nigerian politician, a former Senator and a member of the 8th Nigerian National Assembly representing Kogi West Senatorial district.
Yahaya Adoza Bello, a Nigerian politician, businessman and the current governor of Kogi State.
Bello has, on numerous occasions, made bogus claims about the coronavirus outbreak and lately discouraged vaccine use in the country.
You also have Pastor Chris Oyakhilome, founder of Christ Embassy, also known as LoveWorld Incorporated or Believers' Loveworld, who also has been at the forefront of releasing bogus statements relating to COVID-19 and vaccines.
David Icke, a controversial 68-year-old British conspiracy theorist, has been active for over two decades seems to be who Fani-Kayode get most of his misleading content from about the coronavirus.
I also looked at Dr Stella Immanuel covid-19 hydroxychloroquine claim.
Another notable conspiracy theorist is Robert O. Young, a discredited US naturopathic practitioner, whose 2019 video resurfaced online in January 2021, claiming that Microsoft founder, Bill Gates, was planning to depopulate Africa.
You can ready report here: https://bit.ly/2PG1QK2
