The Nigerian Senate has ordered an urgent security investigation into shocking rumours circulating online about the alleged collapse and reported death of Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
The move, which came unexpectedly during plenary, reflects growing concern within the upper chamber over the spread of dangerous misinformation targeting national leaders.
The directive was issued on Tuesday after lawmakers expressed alarm over claims that Akpabio suffered a medical emergency and was rushed abroad for treatment.
However, the reports were strongly dismissed on the Senate floor, with members describing them as false and reckless.
Following deliberations, the Senate mandated the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, to immediately investigate the origin and intent of the rumours.
In addition, the Director General of the Department of State Services, Mr Oluwatosin Adeola Ajayi, was asked to work closely with the NSA to identify those responsible.
The resolution was triggered by a point of order raised by Senator Titus Zam, representing Benue North West, under Order 42 of the Senate Standing Orders.
Zam said the rumours had circulated for more than 48 hours and posed a serious risk to national stability.
According to him, subjecting the Senate President, who is Nigeria’s number three citizen, to such falsehoods was unacceptable.
He described the claims as misleading and warned that unchecked misinformation could weaken public trust.
Moreover, Zam condemned reports alleging that Akpabio collapsed and was hospitalised in London. He said such narratives were fake and irresponsible.
Therefore, he urged security agencies to ensure that those behind the rumours face legal consequences.
In addition, Zam noted that similar false reports had recently targeted former Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon.
He said this showed a worrying trend of coordinated misinformation aimed at prominent figures.
Responding, Senate President Akpabio acknowledged the challenge of controlling narratives on social media. He noted that people could not be stopped from spreading what he described as “garbage in, garbage out.”
However, he asked lawmakers whether the issue should be formally referred to security agencies for investigation. The proposal was then subjected to a voice vote.
Meanwhile, the motion was unanimously adopted by the Senate. As a result, both the NSA and the DSS were officially mandated to probe the source, spread, and motive behind the rumours.
Furthermore, lawmakers stressed that the investigation should serve as a warning to those who deliberately spread false information.
They said the Senate investigation into Akpabio rumours was necessary to protect democratic institutions.
