African News
Has Erisco Foods changed its brand name after recent controversy?
An image circulating on social media claims thatEriscoFood company has rebranded as a face-saving measure after their recent controversy.
The claim is unproven.
Several Facebook posts now claim that Erisco has rebranded and changed its name after consumers boycotted its products over the move against Ms. Okoli.
One of the posts reads: “JUST IN: Erisco Foods Reportedly Rebrands Under New Name Nicodemously Amidst Boycott Of Product.”
The posts included photos of the owner of the company, its Nagiko tomato mix, and another brand of tomato mix called “Tomagood”, implying that this was the new brand name.
The tomato mix that Okoli tested in 2023 had the name “Nagiko” on it, which is the same as in a photo that was attached to some of the Facebook posts.
Erisco is a local maker of tomato paste, tomato mix, drinks, seasoning cubes, milk and chocolate cubes.
There is no evidence to show that the one with “Tomagood” on it was made by Erisco Foods.
According to its website, the company produces its tomato mixes under three names: Nagiko, Ric-Giko and Erisco.
There is nothing on the company’s website or social media handles to suggest that the company has changed its name. Its logo and other information on its website, including social media posts, remain under the name Erisco.
There is also no information about the purported “Tomagood”.
There is no evidence that Erisco Foods has changed its brand name. The photo of the tomato mix attached to the post suggesting a name change is not one of the brands on the company’s website.
Erisco Foods Limited became controversial after suing a Nigerian woman named ChiomaOkoli. It accused her of cybercrime and defamation for posting damaging claimsabout its tomato mix on social media in September 2023.
Okoli was critical of the quality of the tomato mix, expressing dissatisfaction with its taste and texture, and suggesting that it could be harmful.
Okoli’s case received widespread media coverage due to the resulting public outcry, with many suggesting that Erisco’s response was heavy-handed and an attempt to suppress consumer feedback.
However, in May 2024, the court granted Okoli bail in the sum of N5 million (US$3,640) and required her to produce two sureties, among other conditions.
CONCLUSION
The claim that EriscoFoods has rebranded their Tomato to Tomagood is FALSE
African News
Did U.S. Troops Arrive in Nigeria in February 2026? Here’s the Truth Behind the Viral Video
A viral video circulating across social media has sparked widespread concern, claiming that United States military forces arrived in Nigeria on February 15, 2026, suggesting a possible foreign intervention.
Given the sensitivity of national security and public anxiety surrounding such claims, we conducted a detailed verification to separate fact from speculation.
🔍 WHAT WE INVESTIGATED
To verify the claim, we examined:
- The viral video and its context
- Reports from reputable international media
- Official statements from Nigerian defence authorities
- Information from U.S. government and military sources
✅ WHAT THE EVIDENCE SHOWS
✔️ U.S. Military Personnel Did Arrive in Nigeria
Credible reports confirm that approximately 100 U.S. troops arrived in Nigeria around mid-February 2026.
This deployment is part of an ongoing security cooperation mission between Nigeria and the United States.
🎯 Purpose of the Mission
The presence of U.S. personnel is focused on supporting Nigeria’s fight against insurgent groups, including:
- Boko Haram
- Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP)
Their activities include:
- Training Nigerian military personnel
- Sharing intelligence
- Providing technical and operational support
- Strengthening counter-terrorism capacity
❌ WHAT IS MISLEADING OR FALSE
🚫 No Evidence of Independent Combat Operations
Despite claims online, there is no verified evidence that U.S. troops are conducting independent combat missions in Nigeria.
🚫 No Threat to Nigeria’s Sovereignty
Nigerian authorities have clarified that the deployment:
- Is part of an existing bilateral agreement
- Does not override Nigeria’s control over its military operations
- Falls within standard international security cooperation
🧠 CONTEXT YOU SHOULD KNOW
Nigeria has faced ongoing security challenges in parts of the North, with insurgent groups carrying out attacks on civilians and security forces.
As a result, international partnerships—including with the United States—have long played a role in:
- Military training
- Intelligence collaboration
- Logistical support
This latest deployment aligns with those ongoing efforts.
📊 SUMMARY
| Claim | Verdict |
|---|---|
| U.S. troops arrived in Nigeria | ✅ True |
| Troops are conducting combat operations | ❌ Not supported |
| Nigeria’s sovereignty is compromised | ❌ False |
🏁 FINAL VERDICT
Mostly True — But Misleading Without Context
While U.S. military personnel did arrive in Nigeria in February 2026, their role is strictly advisory and support-based, not a full-scale combat deployment as suggested by viral claims.
⚠️ WHY THIS MATTERS
Misinformation around military activity can quickly escalate fear and confusion.
Understanding the difference between:
- Military cooperation
- and military intervention
…is critical for informed public discourse.
🔔 STAY INFORMED
Follow our Fake News Debunker Series for verified, fact-checked updates on trending stories.
African News
✴️ Ep.116– Does Viral Video Show a Market Between Congo and Gabon Where Parents Sell Their Children?
A viral video claims to show a “child market” between Congo and Gabon where parents allegedly sell their children. But is this true?
In this episode of WABMA Fake News Debunker (Ep. 116), we carefully examine the footage, verify available evidence, and separate fact from fiction.
🔍 What we investigated:
- The viral video and its visual details
- Reports from credible international media
- Data from global child-protection organizations
- Any evidence of a “child market” in the Congo–Gabon region
❌ Our Verdict: FALSE
There is no verified evidence that such a market exists. The viral video does not prove child trafficking and has been shared without proper context.
⚠️ Why this matters:
Misinformation like this spreads fear, reinforces harmful stereotypes, and distracts from real child protection issues.
🎓 Learn Media & Fact-Checking Skills with WABMA
Become a skilled media professional in just 5 weeks.
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🌐 wabma.org
📰 Ep.117–WABMA Fake News Debunker;
Did U.S. Troops Arrive in Nigeria in February 2026? Here’s the Truth Behind the Viral Video
