Fact Checking And Its Implication For Journalism
Former South East Zonal Director of Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria and lead trainer on the US Consulate Project Fact Check Nigeria, Mr. Ken Ike Okere, Live on Flo FM TV
An image circulating online claims Dangote posed for handshake with activist Very Dark Man.
At first look, the image feels surreal. Africa’s richest man appears mid handshake with a controversial social media activist. The setting looks like a private office visit. The moment looks casual and deliberate.
Online captions push it further. They claim Aliko Dangote visited Very Dark Man’s new office.
They frame the meeting as real and recent.
We examined the image closely. Dangote appears in his familiar blue suit. VDM appears shirtless, which he sometimes does. The pairing itself raises questions, given Dangote’s public profile and tightly controlled appearances.
Next, we checked for independent confirmation. There are no news reports. No official photos.
No statements from Dangote or his companies. Then came a direct response. Very Dark Man publicly rejected the image. He stated clearly that the picture is fake. He said he has never met Aliko Dangote and he described the image as AI generated and created to damage his reputation. That statement is on record. It has not been challenged with evidence.
We also reviewed visual inconsistencies common in AI images. Lighting and proportions do not match natural photography. The background lacks depth and continuity. The image shows signs of digital fabrication rather than a real event. There is no verified trail linking Dangote to the alleged visit. No date. No location. No credible witness.
So, what is circulating online? An AI generated image. A manufactured moment. A false narrative designed for attention.
Verdict
The claim is false.
The picture showing Aliko Dangote with Very Dark Man is not real.
It was generated digitally and publicly disowned by one of the people shown.
