How Fake News Nearly Ruined My 40-Year-Old Marriage – Lai Mohammed

Alhaji Lai Mohammed, the former Minister of Information and Culture, recently disclosed that a fake report nearly destroyed his 40-year-old marriage. The false claim, which alleged that $1.9 billion was deposited into his bank account, caused significant distress within his family.

Speaking at an event organized by the Mass Communication Department of Olabisi Onabanjo University, titled “A Day with Alhaji Lai Mohammed,” the former Minister emphasized the severe impact of fake news. He urged Nigerians to unite in combating this menace, noting that its true gravity is often not realized until one becomes a victim.

Mohammed recounted a particularly unsettling experience when the fake report prompted his wife to question their financial security. “One night, my wife woke me up, speaking in Yoruba. She said, ‘Daddy, we all know that death can come at any time; it may be sooner than expected. It would be good if you make me one of the signatories to your bank account to prepare for any eventuality,’” Mohammed recalled.

The former Minister highlighted how the false report not only affected his marriage but also led to numerous requests for money from friends and acquaintances who believed the rumor.