VIDEO: Fact-checkers knock down claim Soyinka rode okada over N1,500 fuel

• Nobel Laureate used commercial motorcycle to beat traffic after Abeokuta festival

Viral claims that Nobel Laureate Professor Wole Soyinka rode a commercial motorcycle (okada) home from an event in Abeokuta because he could no longer afford to fuel his cars at N1,500 per litre have been dismissed as misleading by fact-checkers.

A video showing the 89-year-old literary icon leaving the Ake Palace area on a motorcycle, surrounded by commercial riders and guided by a TRACE official, circulated widely on social media in late April 2026.

The footage sparked outrage and sympathy, with many Nigerians expressing shock that a figure of Soyinka’s stature would be forced to use public transport due to economic hardship.

However, a fact-check investigation by the Nigerian Democratic Report found no credible evidence to support the fuel price claim. The video contains no audio or visual evidence of Soyinka himself stating that he used the okada because of petrol costs.

Sources close to the Nobel Laureate told our correspondent that Soyinka had attended the grand finale of the 39th annual Lisabi Festival at the Ake Palace, an event that drew heavy crowds and significant traffic congestion.

The festival, themed “Egbaliganza 2026,” took place from March 23 to March 28 and attracted prominent Egba sons and daughters, including former President Olusegun Obasanjo and former Ogun State governor Ibikunle Amosun.

According to the sources, Soyinka used the commercial motorcycle to navigate through the congested area for a short distance to where his driver and vehicle were stationed.

They described the okada ride as a practical solution to traffic gridlock rather than an indicator of financial distress.

“It is not uncommon for dignitaries at large events in Nigeria to use motorcycles to bypass traffic and reach their waiting vehicles,” one source familiar with the event’s logistics told our correspondent.

Further contradicting the viral narrative, Soyinka appeared publicly at a major event in Lagos just weeks after the okada video circulated.

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On May 20, 2026, he chaired the launch of “The NADECO Story,” a book written by Chief Ayo Opadokun, at an event attended by President Bola Tinubu and other high-profile Nigerians.

He delivered remarks and was photographed in formal attire, showing no signs of the financial struggles claimed online.

The claim about fuel prices, while false as it pertains to Soyinka’s motivation, reflects a genuine economic reality in Nigeria.

Following the removal of fuel subsidies in 2023, petrol prices have risen sharply. The National Bureau of Statistics reported an average retail price of N1,051.47 in February 2026, though prices in some regions and black markets have reportedly reached as high as N1,500 per litre.

An X user, @CrownprinceCom2, was among those who amplified the misleading claim, posting that Soyinka left the Ake Centre on an okada because he was struggling to buy fuel.

The post gained significant traction before fact-checkers intervened.

Attempts to reach Soyinka’s media aide for comment were unsuccessful as of press time.

Human rights activist and lawyer Inibehe Effiong, commenting on the incident, said the swift spread of the false claim demonstrated how economic frustrations were driving the rapid amplification of unverified narratives involving public figures.

“The public’s anger over fuel prices is legitimate, but we must be careful not to project that anger onto situations that do not warrant it,” Effiong said in a telephone interview.

“Professor Soyinka remains a national icon, and false claims about his personal circumstances do not serve the public interest.”

The Nigerian Democratic Report concluded its investigation with a verdict of “misleading,” noting that while it is confirmed that Soyinka was seen riding an okada in Abeokuta, there is no evidence that he did so because he could not afford fuel at N1,500 per litre.

“The viral claim appears to have been a case of misattributed motivation, with social media users projecting broader economic frustrations onto a single image of a public figure using alternative transportation in a congested event setting,” the report stated.

The Nigeria Police Force has not commented on the matter, and no official statement has been issued by Soyinka’s office as of press time.

Prof Soyinka took an okada home after an event in Abeokuta. According to reports, He said he can no longer fuel his two cars at N1,500 per litre. pic.twitter.com/9U8HT4MqAW

— Nigeria Stories (@NigeriaStories) May 21, 2026

VIDEO: Fact-checkers knock down claim Soyinka rode okada over N1,500 fuel

Frank Edoho Denies Estranged Wife’s Allegations, Initiates Legal Battle

LAGOS — Media personality Frank Edoho has denied allegations recently circulated against him, insisting that the claims are false and would be addressed through the appropriate legal channels, as the popular “Who Wants To Be A Millionaire” host faces explosive accusations of domestic violence, infidelity, and financial misconduct from his estranged wife, Sandra Onyenucheya.

In a statement released on Wednesday on his verified Instagram account, Edoho said he was aware of the public attention generated by the allegations but maintained that “the allegations made against me are false.” The broadcaster stated that he deliberately chose not to engage in a public battle over the accusations, saying, “There are times when restraint is not weakness but wisdom, and this is one of them. I have chosen to address these issues through the appropriate legal channels, where facts, not noise, will prevail.”

The controversy began days earlier when Sandra Onyenucheya took to her Instagram page to publish a lengthy exposé titled “Surviving Frank Edoho.” In a series of posts, she shared graphic photographs displaying extensive bruising and bodily injuries, alongside private chat logs, bank statements, and long textual narratives describing a toxic domestic environment. Among her most serious claims was an allegation that Edoho had directly threatened her life during a physical altercation. According to Sandra, the broadcaster allegedly used a heavy dumbbell and threatened to smash her face to ensure no other man finds her attractive again, an encounter she claims ultimately forced her to leave the matrimonial home permanently.

Sandra also accused Edoho of engaging in extramarital affairs with multiple women throughout their marriage, sharing alleged chat logs and evidence of his movements from lounges to hotels. She further alleged that Edoho sold her property without her consent, including a house whose kitchen alone cost her almost the amount for which Edoho sold the entire property. Additional allegations included claims of emotional abuse, financial recklessness with her money, and pressuring her to abort their second child. Sandra also alleged that Edoho’s abuse extended to her domestic staff.

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Edoho firmly rejected the claims, stressing: “Let me state, clearly and unequivocally, that the allegations made against me are false.” Explaining his decision to avoid a public confrontation, Edoho said restraint was necessary in handling sensitive matters of this nature. “At moments such as this, experience teaches that not every accusation merits a public contest, nor does every provocation require an answer in the court of public opinion. There are times when restraint is not weakness but wisdom, and this is one of them,” he said. He added that the matter is now being addressed through legal processes. “I have chosen to address these issues through the appropriate legal channels, where facts, not noise, will prevail.”

Edoho also expressed regret that individuals unconnected to the matter had been dragged into public discourse, apologising to those whose privacy and identities had been affected. “I am deeply saddened that during this situation, individuals who have absolutely no connection to these issues have had their names, identities, and privacy drawn into public discourse. For that, I am sincerely sorry,” he wrote. He further extended an apology to his sponsors, brand partners, collaborators, and professional associates for any reputational damage or discomfort caused by the controversy. “I regret any discomfort, concern, or reputational inconvenience this situation may have caused them. I remain deeply appreciative of the confidence they have placed in me,” he said.

The media personality added that since the matter was already before relevant authorities and courts, it would be inappropriate for him to make further comments. “Because these issues are now the subject of ongoing legal and investigative processes before the relevant authorities and the courts, it would be inappropriate for me to make further substantive comments at this time,” he stated. He expressed confidence in the legal process and reiterated his commitment to handling the matter “responsibly, respectfully, and with dignity.” “I have every confidence in the processes now underway and will continue to engage them with the seriousness and respect they deserve,” Edoho said.

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Describing the situation as difficult for his family, Edoho appealed for privacy for his children, stressing that they should not bear the burden of public scrutiny. “This is an especially difficult period, most of all for my children, who neither chose this moment nor deserve to bear the weight of public intrusion arising from it. I respectfully ask that their privacy be protected, and that space be given for the lawful processes now underway to run their course,” he said. “Above all, I am a father, deeply committed to the welfare, dignity, and protection of my children,” he stated.

Just days before Sandra’s allegations went public, Edoho had given an interview on the YouTube channel “Outside The Box” where he spoke candidly about male vulnerability and his fears regarding death. “I don’t want to go to the gates of heaven and they ask me what killed me and they say it’s a woman. Whether that woman be my daughter, my wife, my mother, I don’t want that. I don’t want that to be my way out of this portal,” he said in the interview released on Saturday. The broadcaster also disclosed that he had gone through a very dark personal period for two years without telling anyone, revealing how his years in broadcasting taught him to maintain a “poker face” regardless of his internal struggles. “For two years, there was a couple of years back I was in a very dark hole but nobody knew. I just said, you know what, this is a journey I have to make on myself to reorganise myself. And I’m happy I did. But at the time, I thought that the walls were caving in,” he said.

This is not the first time domestic violence allegations have surfaced against the popular TV host. Edoho was previously married to TV personality Katherine Obiang, with whom he had three children. Their marriage ended in 2010 after seven years, following allegations of domestic violence raised by Ms Obiang. In a 2025 interview on the WithChude podcast, Edoho opened up about his relationship with his ex-wife, describing their union as a “mismatch” and admitting that both parties shared responsibility for their challenges. “I’m not going to say it was only her fault; it was my fault too, but not in the way people were depicting it,” he said. Edoho revealed that the domestic violence allegations from his first marriage nearly cost him his role as host of “Who Wants To Be A Millionaire.” He recalled being summoned by the show’s sponsors while in the UK and having to return to Lagos to defend himself. “They said I’m not going to present this show anymore because of those rumors. I got on a flight the following morning to attend a meeting with them. After listening to them, I told them I’ll tell them everything starting from when I was dating. By the time I reached marriage and the birth of my son and first daughter, two of the ladies were crying,” he recounted.

Edoho married Sandra Onyenucheya, the CEO of Vivabella Designs, in a traditional ceremony in 2013 while she was expecting their son. They welcomed their first child in 2014, a second in 2016, and held a private white wedding in 2017. The couple announced the end of their marriage in June 2025, with Edoho stating at the time that “life unfolded in different seasons” and that choosing to move on quietly remained the most dignified path. The public dispute began when a leaked audio clip surfaced online, sparking rumors of a romantic relationship between Sandra and Nigerian singer Chike. Frank Edoho addressed the issue by confirming their two-year separation and ongoing divorce, which implied the separation rumors were true. Refusing to let that narrative stand, Sandra took to her social media page to counter the claims, asserting that she was a faithful wife throughout their marriage. She explained that she only met Chike for business in 2024 and became friends in 2025 long after her separation from Edoho, making any accusations of cheating completely false.

As the legal battle unfolds, both parties have indicated they will allow the courts to determine the facts of the case. Edoho has made it clear he will not be making further public comments on the matter, leaving the resolution to the judicial system. “I know that truth does not become weaker because it is challenged, nor does character become diminished by accusation alone,” Edoho stated in his statement. “I remain committed to handling this situation responsibly, respectfully, and with dignity.” The public has been urged to respect the privacy of the children involved and to allow the legal process to run its course without interference. For now, the truth remains a matter for the courts to determine, as Frank Edoho awaits his day in court.

Frank Edoho Denies Estranged Wife’s Allegations, Initiates Legal Battle

Driving Lesson Turns Deadly: How a Learner Driver Crushed Three Siblings to Death in Rivers

PORT HARCOURT — A woman, Amarachi Promise Esomonu, has demanded justice after losing her three children in a tragic accident in the Ogbunabali area of Port Harcourt, Rivers State, describing the horror of having to collect her son’s remains from the ground with her bare hands.

It was gathered that a yet-to-be-identified man was allegedly teaching his girlfriend how to drive when the woman, who was behind the wheel, rammed into the family’s residence, killing the three children, all of whom were toddlers. The fatal crash occurred around 8:30 p.m. on May 15, 2026, when a car reportedly veered off the road along the Eastern Bypass and crashed into the family’s residential compound, where the children were gathered outside. The impact killed three siblings aged 10, 4, and 3 years instantly.

A resident of the area, who spoke on condition of anonymity, described the scene to Daily Trust. “They were at home in Ogbunabali when this happened. A young man was teaching his girlfriend how to drive. So, as she was driving, people started shouting. Before we knew it, the car had rammed into the woman’s house. That was how her three children lost their lives. It is very painful, and the mother has been crying because the children were all going to school.” Another eyewitness who identified himself as Obua told The Eagle Online that the car lost control, rammed into the woman’s house, and killed the three children on the spot.

Speaking to journalists amid tears and grief, Mrs Esomonu revealed the full horror of the aftermath. She said she had briefly stepped out to answer a phone call moments before the tragedy occurred. When she returned, she was met with an unimaginable scene. In a viral video that has since circulated widely on social media, drawing an outpouring of public anger and calls for justice, the distraught mother described the horror of having to gather her children’s bodies herself. “This is where I lost my three kids. I had to pick my son’s intestine out from this place, and they are not saying anything about it,” she said, gesturing at the scene of the crash.

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In an emotional appeal, Mrs Esomonu tearfully called on Nigerians and human rights activists to intervene and ensure justice for her late children. “This is the cry of a mother who lost her three kids all because of careless driving, and they are not saying anything about it. I lost my three kids, 10, 4, and 3 years old, and they are not saying anything about it. They are trying to sweep it under the carpet,” she said in the viral video. “My children will not just go like that. I lost my three kids all because of a careless person. They should not let them go scot-free. The lives of my kids should not just go like that. VeryDarkMan should please fight for me, all Nigerians should fight for me,” she pleaded.

The grieving mother further lamented that those responsible for the tragedy had shown little concern, saying she thinks about her children every day. She revealed that the alarm she usually sets to prepare her children for school still rings every weekday morning, but the children are no longer there. “Every day I wake up in the morning and remember them. Every day, my alarm rings, but there are no children for me to prepare for school again. Their killers are comfortable. They are not saying anything,” she said amid tears.

Mrs Esomonu further alleged that immediately after the crash, the female driver and her boyfriend attempted to flee the scene but were stopped by residents and members of the community who gathered following the loud impact. According to her, the intervention of residents prevented the suspects from escaping before security operatives later arrived at the scene. The grieving mother also accused medical personnel at the Rivers State University Teaching Hospital and other health facilities of negligence, alleging that the injured victims – including her domestic staff and another daughter who sustained serious injuries – were denied prompt emergency medical attention after they were rushed to the hospital for treatment. She claimed that delays in medical response worsened the condition of the injured survivors, adding that the family had to struggle to secure urgent care during the critical moments following the crash.

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Confirming the incident, the Rivers State Police Public Relations Officer, Grace Iringe-Kogo Agabe (also referred to as ASP Blessing Agabe in some reports – she recently took over as PPRO in April 2026), said the Commissioner of Police, Olugbenga Adepoju, had ordered a thorough investigation into the matter. While commiserating with the bereaved family, Agabe said the tragic incident had generated widespread grief and concern across the state. She stated that the CP extended his condolences to the family and assured them that justice would be served.

“The Rivers State Police Command is deeply saddened by the tragic incident, which reportedly claimed the lives of three children from the same family. The unfortunate development has generated widespread grief and concern within the state,” the statement read. “The Commissioner of Police, Olugbenga Adepoju, extends his heartfelt condolences and profound sympathy to the bereaved family during this difficult and painful period. He prays that God grants the family the strength and fortitude to bear this irreparable loss.”

The statement further assured that the command had commenced a comprehensive investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident. “The Commissioner of Police wishes to assure the affected family and the general public that the command has commenced a thorough investigation into the incident. He further reassures all concerned that every necessary step will be taken to ensure that justice is not only served but also manifestly seen to be served in accordance with the law. The command remains committed to uncovering the circumstances surrounding the incident and ensuring that anyone found culpable is brought to justice,” the statement read.

Agabe urged members of the public to remain calm, avoid spreading unverified information, and cooperate with investigators as inquiries continue. “The Rivers State Police Command once again sympathises with the bereaved family and reiterates its unwavering commitment to the protection of lives and the pursuit of justice,” the statement added.

Residents of the Ogbunabali community who witnessed the aftermath of the incident described the scene as horrific, saying the crash caused panic and confusion in the neighbourhood. Some residents blamed excessive speeding and reckless driving along the busy Eastern Bypass corridor, calling on authorities to strengthen traffic enforcement and road safety measures in the area to prevent future tragedies. The incident has also reignited broader conversations about road safety, accountability, and the treatment of victims in the wake of traffic accidents across Nigeria.

Driving Lesson Turns Deadly: How a Learner Driver Crushed Three Siblings to Death in Rivers